Messi's Giant 70-foot Kolkata Statue Taken Down After Storms Raise Safety Fears

A towering 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi , one of Kolkata’s most talked-about landmarks in recent months, was removed from Lake Town on Monday after authorities determined that the structure had become unsafe following a series of storms and strong winds.

The massive monument, which drew football enthusiasts and curious visitors alike, was carefully dismantled by the Public Works Department (PWD) using a hydraulic crane. Officials said the operation was carried out without causing any damage to the structure. Once removed from its pedestal, the statue was transported to a secure location where it will remain under PWD custody until a decision is taken on its future.

The action followed growing concerns from local residents, who reportedly alerted police after noticing the statue swaying during recent bouts of severe weather. Subsequent inspections by police personnel and engineering teams revealed structural weaknesses in the monument. According to officials, the contractor responsible for the installation identified defects in the statue’s foundation bolts , warning that the structure posed a significant safety risk and could potentially collapse if left in place.

The removal marks an unexpected turn for a monument that was unveiled with much fanfare only a few months ago. The statue was inaugurated in December 2025 during Messi’s visit to Kolkata , with the Argentine football icon remotely unveiling the tribute. The installation quickly became a popular attraction, reflecting the city’s deep-rooted passion for football and its admiration for one of the sport’s greatest players.

While authorities have not announced where the statue will be reinstalled, speculation has already begun. Among the locations being discussed are Rabindra Sarobar and Eco Park , though officials stress that no final decision has been taken and the matter rests with the West Bengal government .

The project was championed by former state minister Sujit Bose , whose name has recently been in the spotlight following his arrest by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in connection with a municipal recruitment scam.

For now, the giant tribute to Lionel Messi has disappeared from Kolkata’s skyline, leaving behind questions about its future home while underscoring the importance of structural safety and regular maintenance in large public installations.