Lionel Messi Statue Relocated in Kolkata for Safety Reasons

Statue Removed Due to Safety Concerns

The towering 70-foot statue of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi was removed from the Lake Town area of Kolkata on Monday due to safety issues. Recent storms had compromised the statue's structural integrity, raising concerns about its potential collapse.

Safely Transferred with Crane Assistance

According to officials from the Public Works Department, the statue was carefully detached from its pedestal without sustaining any damage. It was then loaded onto a truck using a hydraulic crane. Currently, the statue is under the supervision of the PWD, and discussions are ongoing regarding its future placement, with possibilities including Rabindra Sarovar or Eco Park.

Local Concerns Prompted Action

Concerns about the statue arose when locals reported that it was swaying during recent storms. The Lake Town police were notified, and upon inspection, the contractor revealed that there was a fault in the statue's base joint. They warned officials that the structure was in a precarious state and could fall at any moment, leading to the decision to remove it.

Unveiled Last Year

The impressive statue was unveiled last December during Messi's visit to Kolkata. The project was spearheaded by former state minister Sujit Bose, who has recently been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a municipal recruitment scam.

Public Reaction

#WATCH | Kolkata, West Bengal | Lionel Messi statue at VIP road in Lake Town secured with ropes after locals complained that the statue was swaying due to wind pic.twitter.com/YcO70OJs54

— Media Channel June 1, 2026