The report says Cutral Co unveiled a 26-metre statue of Messi near Route 22 on 16 June, close to a city better known for oil production than tourism. Made with 70 tonnes of steel and iron, the monument reportedly took 18 months to assemble and was designed to withstand the region’s powerful winds.
Its pose is instantly recognisable. Messi is shown kneeling with the World Cup between his legs, holding Argentina’s shirt and pointing towards the sky. The image recalls the aftermath of the 2022 World Cup final, when Argentina overcame France in a penalty shootout.
That choice matters. Messi’s greatest achievement with Argentina was not simply a sporting success; it became a national release after years of near misses and disappointment. The statue turns one emotional image into a permanent landmark.
The tribute has also reached Berazategui, where a mural reportedly measuring around six metres by 5.5 metres shows Messi surrounded by the names of admirers. More than 1,300 people are said to have added their signatures.
“This is a mural that I did not make alone. Besides me painting it, it was made by more than 1,300 people,” the report quotes artist Leonel García saying.
That collective effort reflects Messi’s unusual place in Argentine culture. He is celebrated by supporters across regions, backgrounds and political views, giving football a rare unifying symbol.
The next storyline will be whether these tributes become lasting destinations for football fans-or simply the first wave of a wider Messi pilgrimage across Argentina.