Lionel Messi has been honored with a big statue in Cutral Co, a remote town in Patagonia, Argentina,

 The Barcelona legend, who turned 39 on Wednesday, June 24, two days after breaking Miroslav Klose’s World Cup record for the most goals, now has an 85-foot statue honouring him and his unparalleled achievements at the top level.

 Local sculptor Aldo Beroisa spent 18 months crafting the piece, which captures the iconic moment Messi fell to his knees at the Lusail Stadium after Argentina's 2022 World Cup victory.

"He is Argentina's natural ambassador," Beroisa told The Associated Press. “For me, it was very important, not only as an artist but as an Argentine.”

 The statue depicts the legend clutching his national team jersey and pointing to the sky, a familiar celebration dedicated to his late grandmother.

 While Cutral Co is traditionally known for industry rather than tourism, the town has seen an influx of visitors since the sculpture's inauguration.