A wax museum sculptor from Asansol in West Bengal has found an unusual way to back Lionel Messi ahead of the football World Cup final, offering formal prayers before a wax likeness of his idol and setting a replica of the trophy beside it. Football draws devoted fans across the globe, but when the player in question is a superstar like Messi, the excitement among his followers multiplies many times over, and that same devotion is now on full display in this industrial town.
A sculptor devoted to Messi for years
The story is centred on a wax museum in the Mahishila locality, run by well-known sculptor Sushant Rai, who has long counted himself among Lionel Messi's biggest admirers. His museum is home to wax figures of numerous celebrities, politicians and sportspersons from India and abroad, and it draws visitors from far beyond the town, having earned a reputation as one of the area's notable attractions. A few months ago, Rai put his craftsmanship on display by sculpting a strikingly lifelike wax statue of Messi, which quickly turned into the museum's biggest draw and has remained a favourite stop for visitors ever since.
Confidence sealed even before the whistle
The moment Argentina secured its place in the football World Cup final, Sushant Rai became certain that the trophy would end up with Messi's side this time. Carried by that conviction and excitement, he garlanded the wax statue with flowers and carried out a formal prayer ritual before it. He did not stop there, placing a handsome replica of the World Cup trophy right next to the statue's hands, as though the outcome were already settled. The entire scene made clear just how deep and unwavering Rai's faith in his favourite team truly was, and he made no attempt to keep that faith private.
Crowds gather as the town celebrates early
Word of this unusual tribute drew large crowds of football lovers and fellow Messi admirers to the museum in Asansol. Many praised Sushant Rai's gesture and described Argentina's march to the final as one of the most memorable and historic moments in football history. Across the industrial belt, fans waved Messi posters and chanted slogans, openly celebrating the occasion. It is worth noting that Asansol, like the rest of West Bengal, is home to millions of football followers, who deck out homes and streets with flags and posters of their favourite teams during every major tournament. The World Cup final itself will now be contested between Spain and Argentina, and Messi's fans are hoping the trophy finally lands in Argentina's hands.
