Lionel Messi's 70-Foot Statue Removed in Kolkata Due to Safety Concerns

A 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi in Kolkata has been removed due to safety concerns after residents reported it swaying in strong winds. The statue, erected as part of Messi's 'GOAT Tour' to India, faced scrutiny regarding its structural integrity. Local authorities are now seeking a new location for its reassembly. Additionally, the Kolkata leg of the tour experienced chaos as fans expressed frustration over event management, leading to incidents of vandalism. This article delves into the events surrounding the statue's removal and the challenges faced during the tour.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 2, 2026, 02:03 IST

Concerns Over Stability Lead to Statue's Removal

In Kolkata, West Bengal, a towering 70-foot statue of football superstar Lionel Messi has been taken down following worries from local residents regarding its stability. The statue, located along VIP Road in the Lake Town area, was reported to sway dangerously in strong winds on Monday.

This impressive statue, which depicts Messi holding the 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy, was erected last December as part of the 'GOAT Tour' to India, celebrating the football legend's achievements. It was a fan-driven initiative to honor Messi.

During his visit to India last year, Messi made stops in West Bengal, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Delhi, accompanied by his Inter Miami teammates, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.

Local residents expressed their concerns to the Public Works Department (PWD), prompting an inspection that revealed the statue's structural integrity was compromised, necessitating its removal to prevent any accidents.

West Bengal MLA Sharadwat Mukherjee commented on the situation, stating, “The statue of the Argentine football legend was found to be unsafe.” He further noted, “We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind.”

The statue was constructed over a period of 27 days, and authorities are currently exploring alternative locations for its reassembly.

In related news, Satadru Dutta, the chief organizer of Messi's GOAT Tour in India, recently lodged a complaint against former West Bengal Sports Minister Arup Biswas, alleging misconduct related to ticket management and access card distribution.

The Kolkata segment of the GOAT Tour had previously faced turmoil, with fans who purchased expensive tickets at Salt Lake Stadium reportedly throwing bottles and trying to breach gates after Messi departed the venue prematurely.

Frustrated fans engaged in vandalism within the stadium, blaming poor event management and criticizing VIPs and politicians for monopolizing access to Messi, which left many attendees feeling deprived of a proper view of the football star.

The situation escalated when some fans attempted to enter restricted areas, causing damage to event setups, including tents and the goalpost. Police had to step in and use mild force to restore order at the venue.