Messi Breaks World Cup Scoring Record Amid Massive Tributes
Lionel Messi has become the World Cup's all-time top scorer after netting both goals in Argentina's 2-0 victory over Austria in Group J, bringing his total to 18 goals since his tournament debut in 2006. The achievement has sparked nationwide celebrations and inspired monumental fan tributes across Argentina.
Giant Statue in Patagonia
A towering 26-meter (85-foot) statue of Messi now stands in the remote Patagonian town of Cutral Co. Made of 70 tons of steel and iron, the monument depicts Messi kneeling with the 2022 World Cup trophy between his legs, one arm raised in greeting. It was inaugurated on June 16, the day Argentina defeated Algeria 3-0 with a Messi hat-trick.
The statue, which took 18 months to complete, recreates Messi's iconic pose after Gonzalo Montiel's winning penalty in the 2022 final against France. He clutches his jersey and points to the sky in tribute to his late grandmother. Local authorities and sculptor Aldo Beroisa, 61, say it is the largest monument ever dedicated to the captain. "He is Argentina's natural ambassador. For me, it was very important, not only as an artist but as an Argentine," Beroisa told The Associated Press.
Cutral Co, an oil-producing town not typically a tourist destination, has seen an influx of admirers eager to see the statue. Beroisa, who also designs giant dinosaurs and independence hero monuments, noted the town's newfound attention.
Fan-Created Mural in Berazategui
In the Buenos Aires suburb of Berazategui, a hyperrealistic mural of Messi's smiling face spans six meters wide and 5.5 meters high (20 by 18 feet). Surrounding his image are the names of over 1,300 fans who contributed to the project, which took 18 days to complete. Creator Leonel Garcia, 32, collaborated with parking lot owner Federico Merodo, whose wall served as the canvas.
Messi acknowledged the tribute with a video message: "Crazy ... thank you very much to all of you, to the people who supported it, who came by, and who keep coming by." Garcia emphasized the collective effort: "This is a mural that I didn't make by myself. Beyond the fact that I painted it, it was made by more than 1,300 people." Fans traveled from different towns to add their names. Garcia added, "Messi brings joy to the country. The times we're living through in Argentina may not be very good for some people, but Messi unites everyone ... and the mural does that too."
Impact and Upcoming Milestone
Messi turns 39 on Wednesday, and his record-breaking performance has further cemented his legendary status. Argentina's World Cup journey continues with strong support from fans who have turned Cutral Co and Berazategui into pilgrimage sites. The statue and mural symbolize the deep connection between the nation and its captain, who continues to inspire unity during challenging times.
