Lionel Messi statue inaugurated in Maracaibo, Venezuela

A three-meter sculpture dedicated to Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has been inaugurated at Vereda del Lago in Maracaibo, Venezuela. The artwork, created by 17-year-old Venezuelan artist Josué Benjamín Figueroa, depicts the football captain in a characteristic celebration with his arms raised toward the sky.

Figueroa, who has previously sculpted figures such as baseball Hall of Famer Luis Aparicio Montiel, designed the piece to capture Messi's iconic posture. The installation serves as a tribute to the athlete in a city that previously hosted the Argentina national team during the 2007 Copa América.

The acquisition of the sculpture was tied to a solidarity initiative. Funds were raised through voluntary contributions from employees of the Maracaibo Mayor's Office to support victims of earthquakes that occurred in La Guaira and Caracas. These resources were used to purchase technical aids, including wheelchairs, orthopedic strollers, canes, and walkers.