Kolkata Removes 70-Foot Lionel Messi Statue Over Safety Concerns

The giant statue of Argentine football star Lionel Messi in Kolkata, India, was taken down by local authorities after increasing worries about its structural safety emerged following recent storms in the region.

Standing approximately 21 meters (70 feet) tall, the statue depicted Messi holding the World Cup trophy, commemorating Argentina's victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup. It was inaugurated in late 2025 as part of the GOAT Tour named after the Argentine star during his visit to India.

The decision to dismantle the statue came after residents reported that it noticeably swayed in strong winds. Subsequent inspections by engineers from the Public Works Department revealed issues related to the statue's stability and structural balance, leading officials to classify it as a potential hazard to pedestrians.

The removal process utilized hydraulic cranes and special securing ropes. After dismantling, the statue was transported to a government warehouse in the Baguiati area, where it will remain out of public view until a new installation site is determined.

Local reports indicate that Eco Park or the Rabindra Sarobar area are among the proposed locations for reinstalling the statue.

Since its erection, the statue sparked widespread debate, not only due to its massive size but also because of the controversies surrounding Messi’s visit to India the previous year, which was marked by organizational chaos and complaints from fans about poor event management.