Safety Concerns Arise Over Kolkata's 70-Foot Messi Statue

A 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi in Kolkata has become a safety concern after engineers found it swaying in the wind. Originally installed during the GOAT India Tour in December 2025, the statue is now at risk of structural failure. Authorities are planning a complex removal operation involving heavy machinery, as the statue is currently secured with ropes and barricades. The situation is urgent, with nearby traffic and an underground subway complicating the removal process. Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 28, 2026, 21:25 IST

Concerns Over the Stability of Messi's Statue

A towering 70-foot statue of football icon Lionel Messi in Kolkata has raised significant safety alarms after engineers noted that the colossal figure was swaying in the breeze. Erected during Messi's GOAT India Tour in December 2025, this golden monument along VIP Road in Lake Town quickly became a popular spot for football enthusiasts across the nation.

However, just a few months post-installation, city officials are gearing up for a complicated emergency removal process. This operation will involve industrial cables, heavy-duty ropes, and a substantial 40-ton crane. Authorities have indicated that the statue's structural integrity is at risk, compounded by heavy traffic on nearby roads and the presence of an underground subway, making the removal effort particularly hazardous.

Currently, the statue is secured with ropes and surrounded by barricades as officials work swiftly to avert a potential disaster.

Video Highlights

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In this video: 00:00 – Kolkata’s Giant Messi Statue Sparks Safety Concerns 02:29 – Engineers Discover 70-Foot Structure Swaying in Wind 03:00 – VIP Road Barricaded Amid Emergency Safety Measures 05:52 - Base Height May Be Reduced to 5 Feet