Forget Cristiano Ronaldo's statue... birthday boy Lionel Messi has a lifesize chocolate sculpture!

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Standard Sport23 June 2018

With most statue-based football tales of late involving Cristiano Ronaldo, it only makes sense that Lionel Messi is next on the scene as World Cup fever hits Russia.

When Moscow confectioners found out Messi would be celebrating his birthday during the World Cup, they decided he needed a gift that measured up - a life-size chocolate sculpture in his likeness.

A team of five workers at Moscow's Altufyevo Confectionery worked for nearly a week to carve the sculpture in 60 kg (132 lbs) of chocolate to mark the Argentina forward's 31st birthday on Sunday.

"We found out by chance that it was Messi's birthday on June 24," said chief confectioner Daria Malkina.

REUTERS

"And we thought, 'why not make Leo a gift, a chocolate sculpture of himself'?"

Why not, indeed.

REUTERS

Malkina said she had been in touch with Messi's representatives about handing him the sculpture, which will be mounted on a birthday cake.

"We will give Lionel Messi to Lionel Messi," Malkina said, laughing.

REUTERS

The sculpture will also be put on display in Bronnitsy, a town located about 50 kilometres from Moscow that is Argentina's base during the month-long tournament.

Messi might need cheering up, having been criticised for his tepid performances at his fourth World Cup with Argentina facing the shocking prospect of exiting the tournament early unless remaining Group D results go their way.

Cristiano Ronaldo Airport Statue | 29/03/17

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Additional reporting by Reuters.

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