Messi statue removed after safety alert

A 70-foot-tall statue of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi installed at Lake Town in Kolkata has been removed after engineers raised serious concerns over its structural safety. The giant fibreglass statue was unveiled virtually by Messi during his India visit in December 2025 and had become a major attraction for football fans in the city.
The issue came to light on May 25 when strong winds caused the statue to sway noticeably, alarming local residents. Following complaints, government engineers inspected the structure and found several technical defects, including weaknesses in the foundation and fastening system. According to the inspection report, the base of the statue was not properly aligned and several nuts and bolts had become loose. Engineers warned that the structure could collapse during the upcoming monsoon season, posing a threat to public safety. Based on the findings, authorities began dismantling the statue on June 1 with the help of hydraulic cranes. The removal work was completed by evening and the structure was shifted from the site.
Officials are now considering repairing the statue and relocating it to a safer location in Kolkata, with places such as Eco Park being examined as possible alternatives.