Sculptor Susanta Ray unveiled a wax statue of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi in Asansol, West Bengal, on July 19, 2026 [1].
The unveiling highlights the global reach of football fandom and the personal influence of Messi as Argentina prepares for a high-stakes championship match.
Ray created the wax figure to celebrate the football icon [1, 2]. The unveiling took place in Asansol, a city in the state of West Bengal, India [1]. The timing of the reveal is intended to build anticipation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup final [1].
Reports said the event coincides with the lead-up to the championship match between Spain and Argentina [1]. The statue serves as a tribute to the player's career, and his role as a symbol for football enthusiasts in the region [2].
This display is part of a wider trend of public art honoring international sports figures in India. By placing the statue in West Bengal, Ray connects the local community to the global sporting event occurring this week [1].
“Sculptor Susanta Ray unveiled a wax statue of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi”
The creation of the statue in West Bengal underscores the immense cultural footprint of Argentine football in India. By timing the unveiling to the FIFA World Cup final, the artist leverages a peak moment of global sporting tension to elevate local art and community engagement.
