[Sportschosun reporter Jang Jong-ho] A giant statue erected in Argentina to honor soccer star Lionel Messi (39) has sparked controversy online shortly after its unveiling. The view from a certain angle drew unexpected reactions.
According to foreign media outlets including the New York Post, a Messi statue measuring about 26 meters in height and weighing 70 tons was recently installed in the small city of Cutral Có in the Patagonia region of Argentina. It is said to be the largest Messi statue ever made.
The statue depicts Messi after leading Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. He is shown kneeling with one hand on his chest and the other raised high, with a model of the FIFA World Cup Trophy placed in front of him.
The front view was considered relatively natural, but controversy arose after photos and videos taken from behind were released.
Some internet users pointed out that the statue’s pose and the placement of the trophy could be misinterpreted from certain angles, and the images quickly spread online.
One post on social media drew major attention, recording more than 8 million views in about 12 hours. Users have kept the topic alive by sharing various parody images and jokes.
The new statue is said to surpass a previous Messi statue in India that stood about 21 meters tall. The statue, which had been installed on a pedestrian walkway, was removed over safety concerns and later moved to another location.
Meanwhile, Messi himself has not yet issued any statement regarding the statue.
Jang Jong-ho, bellho@sportschosun.com
