Statue of Lionel Messi removed due to safety concerns
A giant statue of Lionel Messi has been taken down after officials reportedly discovered the structure was moving in strong winds, prompting concerns over public safety, reports BritPanorama.
The 70-foot monument, unveiled in India during celebrations linked to Messi’s visit to the country, had become a major attraction in Kolkata, West Bengal. However, local authorities ordered its removal after an inspection found potential structural issues that raised fears about the stability of the towering tribute.
The statue, erected in December as part of Messi’s widely publicised “GOAT” tour, drew crowds eager to celebrate one of football’s greatest players. But concerns emerged after local residents reportedly complained about the condition of the structure. Engineers from the Public Works Department carried out an inspection and concluded the monument posed a potential safety risk.
West Bengal legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee revealed that officials had observed movement in the statue during windy conditions. “The statue of the Argentine football legend was found unsafe,” he said. This discovery prompted authorities to order the immediate removal and relocation of the landmark.
The statue’s location complicated matters, standing close to a busy road network and a nearby subway. Mukherjee explained that officials intended to remove the structure “at the earliest opportunity,” despite the logistical difficulties involved. In the days leading up to its dismantling, workers secured the fibreglass and iron construction using heavy-duty nylon ropes while barriers were erected to keep pedestrians and vehicles away from the area.
Local reports now suggest the statue has been successfully dismantled and transported away from the site. According to the Press Trust of India, the monument will remain in the custody of the Public Works Department while authorities decide on its future. No announcement has yet been made regarding where the statue may eventually be relocated or whether it will undergo repairs before being displayed again.
The monument was one of the most eye-catching tributes to Messi worldwide and quickly became a talking point among football supporters. Messi’s popularity in India remains enormous despite never having played club football in the country, with fans turning out in large numbers whenever the Argentine icon visits. While the statue’s future remains uncertain, Messi himself is focused on far more pressing matters as he prepares for another World Cup campaign after inspiring his nation to glory in Qatar in 2022.
Argentina’s preparations for this year’s tournament include warm-up matches against Honduras and Iceland before beginning their World Cup campaign. They have been drawn alongside Algeria, Austria, and Jordan in the group stage, with Messi seeking to lead his country to another successful tournament.
