Argentine Messi statue draws ridicule as 'Temu version'
The inauguration of a massive new statue in Argentina has sparked widespread mockery, with detractors comparing the likeness to cheap, mass-produced goods.
A 26-metre, 70-tonne statue of Lionel Messi was inaugurated in Argentina over the weekend, only to be met with immediate and widespread ridicule online. Critics have derided the monument as the "Temu version" of the football legend, a colloquial internet slang term implying the likeness is of poor quality or resembles cheap, mass-produced goods.
The backlash highlights a recurring trend in public monuments, where celebrity statues often face intense scrutiny if they fail to meet aesthetic expectations. The incident echoes previous public backlash against similar tributes, such as the 2017 unveiling of a Cristiano Ronaldo statue at Madeira airport in Portugal, which was also widely mocked.
Messi is currently recognised as the best goal scorer in the history of the World Cup, a distinction that underscores the magnitude of the honour bestowed upon him. However, the scale of the monument—weighing 70 tonnes and standing 26 metres tall—has not translated into public admiration, with the "Temu" comparison serving as a sharp rebuke of its craftsmanship.
The specific location within Argentina where the statue was inaugurated, as well as the identity of the sculptor or commissioning body, are not specified in available reports. The source of the mockery appears rooted in the perceived disparity between the legend's stature and the visual representation of his likeness.
While the statue’s reception has been negative, the event coincides with other significant global developments. The inauguration occurred on the same day as the 10th anniversary of the Brexit vote and the resignation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, though these political events are unrelated to the football tribute.
