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Cutral Co Unveils 26‑Metre Statue of Lionel Messi

Officials say the monument is a locally made tourism project meant to embody effort and boost the city's identity.

La estatua de Messi alcanza los 26 metros de altura.
La estatua de Messi alcanza los 26 metros de altura.
La estatua de Lionel Messi fue presentada como un homenaje al capitán argentino y a su impacto dentro y fuera del fútbol.
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Overview

  • The city formally inaugurated the statue on Thursday, June 18, 2026, in a ceremony attended by Cutral Co mayor Ramón Rioseco and Neuquén government minister Jorge Tobares.
  • The sculpture stands 26 metres tall and is installed on Ruta Nacional 22 at a main access point to Cutral Co; municipal sources presented it as the world's tallest statue of Messi but that claim has not been independently verified.
  • Neuquino artist Aldo Beroisa led the project and said the work took about a year to complete and used local labour, with finishing touches running until hours before the opening.
  • The monument shows Messi in the albiceleste jersey holding the World Cup and features three golden stars on the chest to reference Argentina's World Cup titles.
  • Local officials framed the piece as a way to attract visitors and strengthen Cutral Co's brand as a city of large monuments, a push that could change visitor traffic along RN22 and the city's tourism profile.