The report says Beroisa had 18 months to design and construct the work, with access to water among the earliest practical difficulties.
“Access to water is a challenge,” Beroisa said. “Carrying out a work of this magnitude under such conditions made the project even more meaningful.”
The sculpture reportedly uses around 70 tonnes of steel, rebar and concrete mortar, supported by approximately 110 structural tubes. On this scale, every artistic decision also becomes a question of weight, balance and durability.
Beroisa’s original concept reportedly showed Messi lifting the World Cup in one hand. But the report says winds in the area can reach 60 to 80 km/h, with stronger gusts approaching 150 km/h.
“The design called for it to be held in one of the hands. However, during the project's development, engineering calculations determined that doing so would be unsafe,” Beroisa said.
The altered placement has attracted jokes, but it underlines the compromise required when symbolism meets physics. A trophy held overhead may be the perfect image of triumph; in the Patagonian steppe, it could also turn into a structural hazard.
The face was reportedly among the most demanding elements. Messi’s head alone stands 4.30 metres tall and weighs approximately four tonnes, while Beroisa described capturing the likeness of such a contemporary figure as “a heavy responsibility”.
Asked about Messi’s popularity in India, Beroisa said: “Messi is deeply admired and loved in India.” He added that Argentines feel “immense pride and gratitude” that the player inspires affection so far from home.
The next test will be the statue’s life beyond construction. Beroisa hopes it “transcends the local level and becomes a work of national significance” - a legacy now resting as much on public reaction as on steel and concrete.