Kolkata’s 70-Foot Messi Statue to Be Dismantled Over Safety Concerns

• 70-feet Messi statue set to be brought down amidst safety concerns

• The statue was seen swayed by the wind in Kolkata

• The Messi statue was built in December last year ahead of the ‘GOAT Tour To India’

A 70-foot statue of Argentina’s Lionel Messi in Kolkata is set to be brought down after local authorities raised safety concerns regarding its structural stability, according to media reports.

The statue, which was constructed in December last year ahead of the ‘GOAT Tour To India’, depicts the former Barcelona star holding the FIFA World Cup 2022 trophy. It was created by his fans as a tribute to the celebrated Argentine player.

Messi, along with his Inter Miami CF teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul, visited India last year, making stops in Kolkata, Delhi, Hyderabad, and Mumbai.

Reports indicate that residents alerted the Public Works Department (PWD) on Monday after observing the statue swaying in the wind. Subsequent inspections revealed that the statue had developed a structural issue, officials said.

“During inspection, it was found that screws in the primary framework had come loose. That could have caused the movement noticed by people. The issue has been rectified,” an official stated.

The project was associated with former minister Sujit Bose, who played a key role in bringing the statue to the area.

The installation had also generated discussions on social media, as many claimed that its facial features bore little resemblance to Messi, with some humorously suggesting it resembled a Bollywood actor.

Monday’s incident recalled the chaotic scenes at Salt Lake Stadium, where thousands of fans gathered in hopes of catching a glimpse of the football icon. The event later sparked allegations of mismanagement and even led to litigation.

Local residents have argued that such a large roadside installation requires stricter safety protocols and questioned whether all procedural requirements and no-objection clearances were properly followed.