70ft statue of Lionel Messi taken down in Kolkata over safety concerns
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 1, 2026, 2:02 PM
Last updated Jun 1, 2026
A 70ft statue of Lionel Messi in Kolkata, India, was taken down following safety concerns after being observed swaying in the wind. The statue, erected during Messi's 'GOAT' tour in December, was inspected by engineers from the Public Works Department on May 25, leading to the decision for its immediate removal. West Bengal state legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee confirmed the statue's structural integrity was severely compromised. The statue has been moved for safe custody, though plans for its re-erection have not yet been announced.
- •Statue constructed in December during Messi's visit to India.
- •Engineers found the statue unsafe after local complaints.
- •Removal order was issued following a May 25 inspection.
- •Heavy-duty ropes and barricades were used for protection prior to removal.
- •No announcement made regarding the statue's future placement.
- 2:02 PMYahoo Sports — India takes down giant Messi statue over safety concerns
- 12:22 PMYahoo Sports — India's 'unsafe' 70ft Messi statue taken down
- 12:22 PMBBC Football — India's 'unsafe' 70ft Messi statue taken down
"A giant statue of football superstar Lionel Messi was taken down in India on Monday after it was spotted swaying dangerously in the wind, authorities said."The statue was removed on Monday afternoon after locals complained it was swaying in the wind," state lawmaker Sharadwat Mukherjee told AFP. Mukherjee said the statue would be kept in a government warehouse while authorities decide on a new location.
"A 70ft statue of Lionel Messi in India is taken down after it was spotted "swaying in the wind" in May.
"A 70ft statue of Lionel Messi in India is taken down after it was spotted "swaying in the wind" in May.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJun 1, 2026, 2:02 PMIndia takes down giant Messi statue over safety concerns
A giant statue of football superstar Lionel Messi was taken down in India on Monday after it was spotted swaying dangerously in the wind, authorities said."The statue was removed on Monday afternoon after locals complained it was swaying in the wind," state lawmaker Sharadwat Mukherjee told AFP. Mukherjee said the statue would be kept in a government warehouse while authorities decide on a new location.
- Yahoo SportsJun 1, 2026, 12:22 PMIndia's 'unsafe' 70ft Messi statue taken down
A 70ft statue of Lionel Messi in India is taken down after it was spotted "swaying in the wind" in May.
- BBC FootballJun 1, 2026, 12:22 PMIndia's 'unsafe' 70ft Messi statue taken down
A 70ft statue of Lionel Messi in India is taken down after it was spotted "swaying in the wind" in May.
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