Moscow confectioners build life-size chocolate Messi for his birthday

Moscow confectioners build life-size chocolate Messi for his birthday
By Reuters
Share this articleComments
Share this articleClose Button

MOSCOW (Reuters) - When Moscow confectioners found out Lionel 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. "And we thought, 'why not make Leo a gift, a chocolate sculpture of himself'?"

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.

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.

(Reporting by Catherine Koppel; Writing by Gabrielle Tétrault-Farber; Editing by Nick Mulvenney)

Share this articleComments

You might also like

Final day of Tbilisi Grand Slam remembers Georgian judo legend

World Judo Tour day 2: farewell to a Georgian legend

Georgia wins gold at first day of Judo Grand Slam in Tbilisi