Safety Fears Over 70ft Messi Monument

A massive 70-foot statue of football star Lionel Messi in Kolkata is set to be removed after officials found it unsafe following reports that the structure was moving in strong winds.

The monument, unveiled in December during Messi’s “GOAT” tour of India — a reference to “Greatest of All Time” — quickly became a local attraction. However, concerns emerged after nearby residents noticed the statue appearing to sway.

In response to the complaints, engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) conducted an inspection on Monday. Their assessment reportedly revealed serious structural weaknesses, prompting authorities to order the statue’s removal and relocation.

West Bengal legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee confirmed the findings, saying the statue had been declared unsafe.

“We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind,” Mukherjee said, adding that removing the structure presents logistical challenges due to its location near a busy roadway and subway. Despite these difficulties, officials intend to dismantle it as soon as possible.

As a precaution, the fibreglass-and-iron statue has been secured with heavy-duty nylon ropes, while barricades have been placed around the site to protect pedestrians and motorists.

Authorities are now considering alternative locations for the monument, which was built over 27 days by a team of 45 workers.

Messi officially unveiled the statue virtually during the December event, appearing on a video screen and activating the ceremony remotely. His Kolkata visit, however, also drew attention for unrest and violence surrounding an appearance at Salt Lake Stadium.