When a few confectioners in Moscow found out that Lionel Messi would be celebrating his birthday during the World Cup, they decided he needed a gift that measured up to him.
A team of five bakers from Moscow’s Altufyevo Confectionery worked for nearly a week to carve out a life-size sculpture of Messi from 60 kg (132 lbs) of chocolate to mark his 31st birthday on Sunday.
"We found out by chance that it was Messi's birthday on 24 June," said Daria Malkina, chief confectioner at Altufyevo Confectionery . “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.Daria Malkina of Altufyevo Confectionery
The sculpture will also be put on display in Bronnitsy, a town located about 50 km from Moscow, which is Argentina's base during the month-long tournament.
Messi probably needs some cheering up, having been criticised for his tepid performance at the fourth World Cup with Argentina facing the shocking prospect of having to exit the tournament early, unless the remaining Group D results goes its way.
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