The tallest statue of Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi was unveiled on October 1, 2023, in Cutral Có, Argentina. The 85-foot-tall sculpture, depicting Messi kneeling behind a World Cup trophy, quickly went viral due to its unintended provocative appearance.
Controversy Surrounding the Design
Self-taught sculptor Aldo Beroisa created the statue, which features the trophy positioned in front of Messi's crotch. This placement led to a flurry of online jokes and memes, with comments like “One Messi One Cup” highlighting the statue's perceived lewdness.
Beroisa explained to the New York Times that he chose this design for structural integrity, as the statue is made from 70 tons of steel and concrete. Many observers criticized the statue's design, questioning why Messi couldn't hold the trophy instead.
Comparisons to Previous Statues
The Cutral Có statue follows an earlier, shorter statue in Kolkata, India, which stood at 70 feet and was dismantled after only six months due to safety concerns. The Kolkata statue faced backlash for its awkward proportions and lack of resemblance to Messi, a trend seen in other high-profile statues.
Notably, other sports figures like Cristiano Ronaldo and Dwyane Wade have also been subjects of unflattering commemorative works. This phenomenon extends beyond sports, affecting icons such as Martin Luther King Jr. and Tina Turner.
- Messi statue height: 85 feet
- Previous tallest statue: 70 feet
- Material used: 70 tons of steel and concrete
As the debate continues, many are calling for better funding and support for the arts to avoid such unfortunate outcomes in the future.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by Hyperallergic. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
