A 70-foot statue of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi in Kolkata is set to be removed after engineers reportedly found the structure unsafe following complaints from local residents that it was swaying in the wind. The giant golden-coloured monument, installed on VIP Road in Lake Town, was unveiled during Messi’s “GOAT Tour” visit to Kolkata in December last year. The statue depicts the Argentina captain holding the FIFA World Cup trophy following his country’s triumph at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. According to local officials, engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) inspected the fibreglass and iron structure after concerns emerged regarding its stability during strong winds and changing weather conditions. West Bengal legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee confirmed that the statue’s structural integrity had been compromised and said authorities were now planning its removal. “The statue of the Argentine football legend in the city of Kolkata was found unsafe by engineers of the West Bengal government,” Mukherjee said, according to AFP. “We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind.” Mukherjee also acknowledged the difficulty of dismantling the structure because of its location beside a busy road and near a subway area. “Removal has proved easier said than done,” he said, “We are planning to remove the statue at the earliest opportunity.” It remains unclear whether the statue will later be reinstalled at another site.
Statue secured with ropes as authorities assess safety concerns
Visuals from the site on Tuesday showed workers climbing the massive structure and securing heavy-duty nylon ropes around the statue’s shoulders in an effort to stabilise it temporarily. Barricades were also erected around the installation to restrict both pedestrian and vehicle movement near the site while inspections continued. According to ANI, officials visited the location after residents reported visible movement in the structure during windy conditions. A contractor present during the inspection told ANI: “We came to inspect Messi’s statue after reports that it was swaying in the wind. The higher authorities will decide the next course of action.” Authorities are continuing to monitor the installation while evaluating whether further reinforcement work or a complete relocation will be required for long-term safety. The statue was reportedly assembled over 27 days by a crew of around 45 workers and was installed by Sree Bhumi Sporting Club in South Dum Dum, Kolkata. Earlier this year, Messi virtually inaugurated the monument through a video appearance during promotional activities connected to his India visit.
Messi’s Kolkata visit previously sparked controversy and crowd disorder
The latest developments surrounding the statue come shortly after controversy linked to Messi’s Kolkata visit and associated “GOAT Tour” events. Last week, organiser Satadru Dutta reportedly filed a complaint against former West Bengal sports minister Arup Biswas, alleging misconduct connected to the event, including accusations regarding misuse of tickets and pressure related to the issuance of access cards. Messi’s appearance at Salt Lake Stadium had also witnessed crowd disorder after spectators allegedly became frustrated following the footballer’s early departure from the venue. Several fans reportedly complained that VIPs and political figures monopolised access to Messi, leaving many attendees unable to properly see the Argentine captain despite purchasing expensive tickets. According to reports, the situation escalated after some spectators allegedly attempted to breach restricted areas and damaged sections of the event infrastructure, including tents and goalposts. Police later intervened and reportedly used mild force to disperse crowds and restore order inside the stadium premises.
Messi still expected to lead Argentina at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Despite ongoing uncertainty regarding his long-term international future, Lionel Messi is still widely expected to feature for Argentina national football team at the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup after being included in Argentina’s initial 55-man preliminary squad released on May 11. Head coach Lionel Scaloni later reduced the pool to a 35-player shortlist on May 21, with the final 26-man squad expected to be confirmed between May 28 and 29 ahead of FIFA’s deadline. Argentina will begin their title defence against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi (10) walks to the corner of the field to take a corner kick during the second half of an MLS soccer match against Philadelphia Union, Sunday, May 24, 2026, in Miami. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
Messi has not formally confirmed whether he will participate in the tournament, although he is expected to return for what would become a record-equalling sixth FIFA World Cup appearance. The 38-year-old remains Argentina’s central figure following their World Cup victory in Qatar four years ago and continues playing club football for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Widely regarded as one of football’s greatest players, Messi remains enormously popular in Kolkata and across West Bengal, where Argentina traditionally enjoys one of the largest fan followings in Indian football culture.
