Football fans in India were left divided over the recently unveiled 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi at Kolkata’s Sree Bhumi Sporting Club. While the statue celebrates Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, many social media users drew a humorous comparison to Majnu Bhai, the iconic character played by Anil Kapoor in the Bollywood film Welcome, famous for his over-the-top horse painting.
The internet quickly reacted with memes and jokes, with some netizens claiming that the statue’s proportions and design reminded them of Majnu Bhai’s eccentric artwork. Others, however, defended the statue, praising it as a fitting tribute to one of football’s greatest stars. The playful reactions highlight the blend of sports admiration and pop culture humor among Indian fans.
The statue, completed in just 40 days, was intended to inspire young football enthusiasts and honor Messi’s legendary achievements. Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan even attended the virtual unveiling, further increasing its visibility online. West Bengal Minister Sujit Bose described the statue as a source of motivation for aspiring players.
The humorous Majnu Bhai comparisons did not diminish the enthusiasm of Messi’s fans but added a layer of entertainment to the unveiling event. While the statue celebrates Messi’s global impact, social media’s playful take shows how pop culture references can quickly become part of public discussions.
Overall, the Messi statue in Kolkata has sparked excitement, debates, and laughter, demonstrating how sports, art, and internet culture often intersect in unique ways. The playful “Majnu Bhai” jokes continue to trend alongside serious admiration for Messi, whereas Pakistani entertainers compared it with the Pakistani cricketer, Shoaib Malik.
