Run into Lionel Messi at a soccer stadium or randomly on the street, and he might feel larger than life despite only standing 5 feet 7. But soon you can have your own version of Messi at almost twice the size for less than $100.
Lowe’s will begin selling limited-edition, 10-foot Messi lighted yard inflatables for $99, which will be available through the Lowe’s website starting May 18 for members of the company’s rewards program as part of its “Epically More Messi” campaign. Those living in the 11 U.S. World Cup host cities will be able to purchase a giant Messi inflatable in stores starting May 20.
The real-life Messi barely reaches the waist of the 10-foot Messi inflatable when posing in promotional photos for the product. Some might say the Messi inflatable looks more like former Italy midfielder Andrea Pirlo. Others might say it resembles a hipster Abraham Lincoln. But at least there was an effort in making the 10-foot Messi look somewhat like the actual Messi, including a representation of his right arm tattoos.
Lowe’s interpretation of Lionel Messi and the man himself, side by side. (Lowe’s / Major League Soccer photos / USA Today Network)
The NFL Shop sells 9-foot yard inflatables of such players as Josh Allen, Jayden Daniels, Joe Burrow, Jalen Hurts, Caleb Williams and others for $169.99. None of the faces of those inflatables looks anything like the players, though. At least the 8-foot NFL inflatable “Crazy Sports Players” (think used-car lot decoration) bear faces that look a lot like the real player, for example: Lamar Jackson.
Looking for something closer to Messi’s actual size to grace your home? A 4-foot-tall Messi bobblehead is available on eBay for $1,140 (marked down from $1,200).
But if you want even more Messi, there will be 20-foot versions of the inflatable (not for sale) in World Cup host cities Atlanta (Piedmont Park), Dallas (Klyde Warren Park), Miami (Nu Stadium at Miami Freedom Park) and New York (Seaport District) this weekend.
A massive 20-by-12 digital art installation depicting Messi scoring his favorite goal during his career sold last year for $1.87 million. The inflatable Messi is not only more affordable, but easier to install, too.
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