A giant 70-foot statue of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi in Kolkata is set to be dismantled after authorities raised serious concerns over its structural safety. The statue, located near Lake Town in North Kolkata, was reportedly found swaying during strong winds, prompting complaints from local residents and an urgent inspection by the Public Works Department (PWD).
The massive structure, which depicts Messi holding the 2022 FIFA World Cup trophy, was unveiled in December 2025 during the football icon’s “GOAT Tour” visit to India. The installation had quickly become a major attraction for football fans in the city, known for its deep football culture and passionate support for Argentina and Messi.
According to officials, engineers inspecting the statue found “structural deficiencies” and concerns related to its centre of gravity. Authorities feared the structure could collapse during heavy winds or the upcoming monsoon season if immediate action was not taken. Local residents had earlier filed complaints at Lake Town Police Station after noticing the statue visibly shaking during windy conditions.
West Bengal MLA Sharadwat Mukherjee confirmed that the statue had been declared unsafe after inspection. “We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind,” he told ESPN, adding that authorities did not want to risk any possible accident.
The statue was reportedly built using an iron framework and fibreglass and completed within weeks by artist Monty Paul and his team. While the sculptor defended the design, saying slight movement was intended to withstand wind pressure, engineers concluded that the structure’s integrity had been compromised.
Officials are now considering either dismantling the structure permanently or relocating and reinstalling it at a safer location. The development comes just days after another football-themed sculpture near Salt Lake Stadium was also removed by authorities.
The statue had sparked debate even during its inauguration, with some fans criticising its appearance and resemblance to Messi. However, despite the controversy, it remained a popular attraction among football supporters visiting Kolkata.
