Lionel Messi Statue Removed Due to Safety Concerns in 2026 Football Season

A giant 70-foot Lionel Messi statue in Kolkata was taken down after engineers declared it structurally unsafe

Statue erection details The towering 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi was constructed horizontally over 27 days by a team of 45 workers. The monument was officially unveiled in December during Messi’s tour of India, which celebrated his status as the ‘greatest of all time’ (GOAT). The event was marked by a virtual ceremony where Messi appeared on a screen and activated the unveiling via remote control. His presence in Kolkata, however, coincided with unrest during an appearance at Salt Lake Stadium. ## Reasons for removal Local media reported that engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) inspected the statue on May 25 following complaints from nearby residents. The inspection revealed severe structural flaws, with the statue visibly ‘swaying in the wind.’ West Bengal legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee confirmed the monument’s instability, stating, ‘The statue of the Argentine football legend was found [to be] unsafe.’ He added that the statue’s close proximity to a busy road and subway complicated its removal process. ## Removal process Despite being secured with heavy-duty nylon ropes and surrounded by barricades to keep traffic and pedestrians away, the statue was dismantled and relocated. Mukherjee acknowledged the logistical challenges, saying the removal was ‘easier said than done,’ but emphasized that authorities planned to take it down ‘at the earliest opportunity.’ The fibreglass and iron structure has now been moved from its original site. ## Future plans The Press Trust of India agency reported that the dismantled statue is now under the custody of the public works department. No official announcement has been made regarding where or if the monument will be re-erected. The fate of the statue remains uncertain as authorities assess next steps. ## Messi’s achievements Lionel Messi, who helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup, is an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. His appearances in the 2026 FIFA World Cup will mark his sixth tournament participation at the global stage. The upcoming event represents another milestone in his storied career.