Indian fans in Kolkata have unveiled a 21-meter-tall statue of football star Lionel Messi to coincide with his three-day visit to the country, considering it «a tribute worthy of his stature». Messi, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, will not be able to personally attend the statue's unveiling ceremony for security reasons. This massive artwork, depicting the Argentine World Cup champion, towers over a road in the eastern part of the country. Monty Pole, who oversaw the design of the iron statue, told AFP: «This is the largest statue I have ever made. It is a source of pride for me». In India, where the national football team is ranked last by FIFA, Messi enjoys a popularity comparable to cricket stars. Messi begins a three-day tour in Kolkata, which also includes Hyderabad, Mumbai, and the capital New Delhi.