Lionel Messi Statue in Kolkata to Be Removed Due to Safety Issues
Concerns Over Messi Statue's Stability
The iconic 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi in Kolkata, West Bengal, is facing removal due to safety hazards after reports indicated it was "swaying in the wind," according to a report from a sports news outlet.
This statue, erected last December as a tribute to the FIFA World Cup champion during his 'GOAT Tour' in India, depicts Messi holding the 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy. It was created by fans to honor the football superstar.
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.
On Monday, local residents raised concerns with the Public Works Department (PWD) about the statue's apparent instability. Following an inspection, it was determined that the statue's structural integrity was compromised, necessitating its removal to prevent any accidents.
West Bengal MLA Sharadwat Mukherjee commented, "The statue of the Argentine football legend was found to be unsafe," adding, "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 main organizer of Messi's GOAT Tour in India, recently filed a complaint against former West Bengal Sports Minister Arup Biswas, alleging misconduct regarding ticket sales and access card distribution.
The Kolkata segment of the GOAT Tour previously experienced turmoil when fans, frustrated by the event's management, began throwing bottles and attempting to breach gates after Messi left the venue prematurely.
Discontented fans vandalized parts of the stadium, criticizing the event's organization and accusing VIPs and politicians of monopolizing access to Messi, which left many attendees without a chance to see the football star.
The situation escalated as some fans tried to enter restricted areas, leading to damage to event setups, including tents and the goalpost. Police had to step in and use mild force to restore order at the venue.