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Located in Neuquén Province in Argentina’s Patagonia region, Cutral Co is home to what local authorities and its creator say is the world’s largest monument dedicated to Messi.

The giant sculpture has quickly become a new landmark for travelers who flocked to the square in front of the statue on July 15 to watch Argentina’s World Cup semifinal against England on a giant outdoor screen.

When Argentina completed a dramatic comeback to secure a place in the final, the crowd erupted into celebrations, with cheers, songs and fireworks lighting up the night, Reuters reported.

Cutral Co, a town of around 40,000 residents in Neuquén Province, is best known as a hub for workers employed in the nearby Vaca Muerta formation, one of the world’s largest shale oil and gas reserves.

The town gained international attention in June when it unveiled the Messi statue. Created by local artist Aldo Beroisa, the 26-meter statue depicts a smiling Messi kneeling and pointing one finger toward the sky, next to the World Cup trophy on the ground, capturing one of the most iconic moments of his career – Argentina’s 2022 World Cup championship.

Beyond the Messi attraction, Cutral Co offers several lesser-known sights for visitors exploring Patagonia, according to Tripadvisor.

The Carmen Funes Museum houses some of the world’s largest dinosaur fossils, making it one of the town’s top attractions. Travelers can also visit the local Paleontology Museum, the Christ the King statue and Parque de la Ciudad, a popular urban park for residents and tourists alike.

With the world’s largest Messi statue now standing at its entrance and Argentina chasing another World Cup title in the U.S. on Sunday (local time), Cutral Co is rapidly evolving from a roadside stop into one of the country’s newest football tourism destinations.