A sculptor in Argentina is racing against the clock to complete a massive monument of Lionel Messi as the footballer vies for another World Cup crown. The work, slated for a remote site in the Patagonian desert, must be finished before the tournament’s climax, prompting the artist to extend shifts and import specialized equipment. He hired extra hands and fast‑dry resin.

Investors watch the project because public art tied to a global sports icon can generate tourism revenue and licensing deals. Local authorities have pledged support, hoping the statue will become a landmark that draws fans traveling to Argentina for matches. The urgency also reflects a broader trend of municipalities leveraging celebrity monuments to boost regional economies and media coverage.

For the artist, finishing the giant statue on schedule means securing the commission fee and avoiding penalties tied to the event timeline. Delays could force a renegotiation or cancellation, eroding confidence among sponsors who bank on the statue’s unveiling to coincide with Messi’s potential triumph. The deadline now sits just days before the final match. The artist also hopes the piece will drive merch sales.