Lionel Messi Statue Removed Due to Structural Concerns

A 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi was removed from Lake Town due to safety concerns after recent storms caused structural instability. The Public Works Department confirmed the statue was safely dismantled and is currently in their custody. While no official announcement has been made regarding its new location, rumors suggest it may be relocated to Rabindra Sarobar or Eco Park. The statue was unveiled last December during Messi's visit to Kolkata, and its removal follows warnings from local residents about its swaying during storms. The project was initiated by former state minister Sujit Bose, who is currently embroiled in a municipal recruitment scandal.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 2, 2026, 02:07 IST

Removal of the Messi Statue

On Monday, a towering 70-foot statue of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi was taken down from Lake Town after it was deemed structurally unsound due to recent storms.

Officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) reported that the statue was carefully dismantled from its base and transported on a truck using a hydraulic crane, ensuring it sustained no damage during the process.

Currently, the statue is under the custody of the PWD, and there has been no official word on its future location.

Speculation suggests that it may be relocated to either Rabindra Sarobar or Eco Park, pending a decision from the state government.

Concerns about the statue's stability emerged when local residents notified the Lake Town police that it was swaying during inclement weather.

After a thorough inspection by police and PWD personnel, the contractor identified issues with the statue's "foundation bolts" and cautioned that the structure posed a risk of collapse.

The statue was inaugurated last December during Messi's visit to Kolkata, where he remotely unveiled the monument.

This project was led by former state minister Sujit Bose, who has recently been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a municipal recruitment scandal.