Lionel Messi turned 39 on Wednesday after smashing Miroslav Klose’s World Cup goal record with his 17th and 18th strikes in a 2‑0 win over Austria. Two days later, artists in Patagonia’s Cutral Co unveiled an 85‑foot steel monument, weighing 70 tons, to celebrate the Argentine legend for the 2026 tournament and to honour his legacy on home.

The statue, completed in 18 months, shows Messi kneeling on grass at Lusail Stadium, clutching the national jersey and pointing skyward—a gesture tied to his late grandmother. Local sculptor Aldo Beroisa, 61, said the piece reflects Argentina’s spirit and cements Messi’s status as a national ambassador for fans and players worldwide.

Earlier this year, a 70‑foot statue in Kolkata faced removal after officials deemed it unsafe, swaying in wind. That controversy made the Cutral Co project a benchmark for scale and stability, proving that even monumental tributes must meet safety standards before standing in public spaces for tourists and locals to appreciate the legacy with safety.

Meanwhile, a 20‑foot mural in Buenos Aires’ suburb showcases 1,300 fans’ names, celebrating Messi’s influence beyond the pitch. Artist Leonel García finished the canvas in 18 days, noting the collective effort unites diverse social and political groups. The tribute underscores how Messi’s legacy fuels national pride and communal identity for future generations to draw inspiration.