70ft Messi Statue in India to Be Removed Over Safety Fears
A towering 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi erected in Kolkata, India, is set to be dismantled after structural engineers deemed it unsafe. The monument, part of the Argentine superstar’s ‘GOAT’ promotional tour in December, was found to be swaying in the wind, prompting urgent action from local authorities.
- Statue Height: 70 feet (approx. 21 meters)
- Location: Kolkata, West Bengal, India
- Reason for Removal: Structural integrity compromised; swaying in wind
- Inspection Date: Monday (exact date not specified)
- Status: Removal planned at earliest opportunity
Safety Concerns and Inspection
Engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) conducted an inspection after local citizens reported the statue’s instability. West Bengal state legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee confirmed the findings: “The statue of the Argentine football legend was found to be unsafe. We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind.” The statue’s location next to a busy road and a subway complicates removal, but authorities aim to take it down as soon as possible.
Background: Messi’s India Tour
The statue was unveiled virtually by Messi in December 2025 during his promotional ‘GOAT’ tour of India. The tour included appearances at various events, drawing hundreds of thousands of fans. However, one event at Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata turned chaotic when Messi left after only 20 minutes due to poor crowd management. Frustrated fans began vandalizing seats, leading to an apology from West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the arrest of event organizer Shatadru Dutt.
Key Player Stats
| Player | Stat | Value |
|---|---|---|
| Lionel Messi | Career Goals (Club & Country) | 800+ |
| Lionel Messi | Ballon d’Or Awards | 8 |
| Lionel Messi | World Cup Titles | 1 (2022) |
What’s Next for the Statue and Kolkata’s Football Legacy
The removal of the Messi statue marks a disappointing end to what was meant to be a lasting tribute. Kolkata has a rich football history, with a strong affinity for ArgentinaโDiego Maradona visited the city twice and has a statue there. The incident highlights the challenges of managing large-scale fan events and maintaining public monuments. For now, the PWD will oversee the careful dismantling of the structure, ensuring safety for nearby residents and commuters.
Where to Watch
For fans wanting to catch Messi in action, matches are broadcast on major networks. In India, football coverage is available on Star Sports and streamed on Disney+ Hotstar. International viewers can tune into ESPN+ (USA), Sky Sports (UK), and Optus Sport (Australia).
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the 70-foot Messi statue in Kolkata being removed?
The statue was found to be structurally unsafe after engineers observed it swaying in the wind. The Public Works Department inspection revealed compromised integrity, leading to the decision to dismantle it.
When was the Messi statue erected in India?
The statue was unveiled virtually in December 2025 as part of Messi’s ‘GOAT’ promotional tour of India.
What happened at Messi’s event at Salt Lake Stadium?
Messi left the event after only 20 minutes due to poor crowd management, causing fans to vandalize seats. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee apologized and ordered an inquiry, and the organizer was arrested.
Are there other football statues in Kolkata?
Yes, Kolkata has a statue of Diego Maradona, who visited the city twice and is celebrated by local football fans.
How tall is the Messi statue?
The statue is 70 feet (approximately 21 meters) tall.
