A 70-foot (21-meter) statue of Argentine football star Lionel Messi in Kolkata, India, is set to be dismantled after engineers raised safety concerns, according to local reports. The structure, located in the city's Park Circus area, was found to be swaying in strong winds, prompting authorities to order its removal.
The statue was installed in December 2025 during Messi's 'GOAT Tour' of India, which included a visit to Kolkata. However, recent inspections by structural engineers revealed that the monument's foundation was not adequate to withstand local wind conditions, posing a risk to public safety.
Local officials confirmed that the statue will be taken down in the coming days. 'The safety of our citizens is our top priority,' a municipal spokesperson said. 'We are working with the tour organizers to ensure the statue is removed safely.'
The Messi statue, which was made of fiberglass and steel, had become a popular attraction for fans in the city. Its removal has disappointed many local residents, but authorities emphasized that the decision was necessary to prevent accidents.
