Giant Lionel Messi Statue Removed in Kolkata After Safety Concerns
A massive 70-foot statue of football legend Lionel Messi has been removed from Kolkata’s Lake Town area after local residents raised concerns about its structural stability during strong winds.
The towering monument, installed along VIP Road, had become a major attraction for football fans since its unveiling last December. However, authorities decided to dismantle the structure after an inspection revealed potential safety risks.
The statue, which depicted Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy won by Argentina in 2022, was built by fans as a tribute to one of football’s greatest players ahead of his much-publicised GOAT Tour of India.
Residents Reported Statue Swaying in Strong Winds
According to officials, complaints were lodged with the Public Works Department (PWD) after residents observed the structure swaying during periods of strong wind.
Following the complaints, authorities conducted a detailed inspection to assess the statue’s condition.
The inspection reportedly found that the monument’s structural integrity had been compromised, prompting officials to recommend its immediate removal to prevent any potential accident.
West Bengal MLA Sharadwat Mukherjee confirmed the concerns.
“The statue of the Argentine football legend was found to be unsafe,” Mukherjee said.
“We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind,” he added.
Authorities subsequently dismantled the structure as a precautionary measure.
Built in Just 27 Days Ahead of Messi’s India Tour
The giant installation was constructed over a period of just 27 days ahead of Messi’s visit to India last year.
The tribute was designed to celebrate the arrival of the Argentine superstar, who travelled across four Indian cities as part of his GOAT Tour.
Messi’s itinerary included visits to Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Delhi, accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.
The statue quickly became a landmark for football enthusiasts and a symbol of Kolkata’s long-standing passion for the sport.
Officials have said they are now exploring alternative locations where the monument can be safely reassembled after necessary structural modifications.
GOAT Tour Faced Controversies in Kolkata
The removal of the statue comes just days after fresh controversy emerged surrounding Messi’s Kolkata visit.
Last week, event organiser Satadru Dutta filed a complaint against former West Bengal Sports Minister Arup Biswas, alleging misconduct during the organisation of the event.
The complaint reportedly included claims that tickets meant for Messi’s Kolkata programme were misused and that pressure was exerted on organisers regarding the distribution of access cards.
Crowd Trouble Marred Messi’s Kolkata Appearance
Messi’s appearance in Kolkata had earlier witnessed chaotic scenes at Salt Lake Stadium after some fans expressed frustration over not being able to see the football icon up close.
According to reports, several spectators who had purchased expensive tickets became angry after Messi left the venue earlier than expected.
The situation escalated when sections of the crowd allegedly threw bottles, attempted to break barriers separating different stands and tried to gain access to restricted areas.
Some fans also vandalised parts of the venue, damaging tents and even sections of the stadium setup, including goalposts.
Police personnel were forced to intervene and use mild force to bring the situation under control and restore order.
Many supporters later criticised the event’s management, claiming that VIP guests and political figures were given priority access to Messi, leaving ordinary ticket holders disappointed.
Future of the Statue Yet to Be Decided
While the giant tribute to Messi has now been removed from its original location, authorities have indicated that the structure may return after safety concerns are addressed.
Officials are currently evaluating possible sites where the monument can be reinstalled securely.
For now, one of Kolkata’s most talked-about football landmarks has been taken down, with public safety taking precedence over sentiment and symbolism.