“The throne belongs to the king”, that’s what’s being said about the incredible gift Argentine football star Lionel Messi recently received. As 2023 comes to a close, many are reflecting on the remarkable feats achieved by Messi. The 36-year-old made a significant impact after joining Inter Miami in July, ultimately leading the team to their first-ever championship with the 2023 Leagues Cup title. Beyond the pitch, Messi’s influence is helping reshape the perception of soccer in America. His contributions to the sport were so profound that he was named Athlete of the Year by Time Magazine. Additionally, Messi added another accolade to his collection by winning his 8th Golden Ball.
A one-of-a-kind gift was given to Messi by Nestor, who owns an antique furniture repair shop in Burzaco, a suburb of Buenos Aires. After Argentina’s victory in the 2022 World Cup, Nestor was inspired to create a special throne fit for a king like Messi. It took a lot of time and effort to design the perfect throne, focusing on every detail from the wood to other materials. Nestor, who usually works on French-style furniture, decided to switch things up and opted for a more personalized approach with the carver. With careful planning and precision in the carving process, Nestor is confident that they have what it takes to create something truly unique for Messi.
The chair is coming together beautifully with intricate details slowly being added.
Although it’s still a work in progress, each part of the chair is already displaying stunning craftsmanship. The sides of the chair bear the names and birthdates of Messi’s three children – Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, as well as the name of his wife Antonela. At the center of the backrest is an engraving of the World Cup Trophy, while the Copa America and Finalissima Cups adorn the sides. The symbols of Argentina’s three World Cup victories and Messi’s iconic number 10 jersey are also included in the design.
Nestor explained, “The focus is on the cups as they signify Messi’s incredible journey and accomplishments. Everyone is so close to Messi, which prompted us to create a special gift as a token of appreciation for all that he’s done.”
As they near the finishing touches on the chair frame, Nestor and his team are getting ready to apply a wood-colored lacquer, gild the World Cup Trophy, and proceed with the upholstery process. It’s worth noting that every step of the process is done by hand. Nestor is excited about the outcome, calling it a masterpiece fit for Messi himself.
