The giant statue of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi in Kolkata has become the centre of fresh public debate after authorities raised concerns over its structural safety. The 70-foot installation, which was unveiled amid huge excitement during Messi’s India visit last year, may now be dismantled and relocated after reports suggested that the structure was swaying during strong winds.
The massive statue was built as a tribute to Messi following Argentina’s FIFA World Cup victory and ahead of his much-publicised India tour. In Kolkata, a city known for its deep passion for football, the monument quickly became a major attraction for fans and tourists alike. Thousands of visitors gathered near the site over the past few months to take photographs and celebrate their admiration for the football superstar.
However, concerns began to emerge after local residents claimed the structure appeared unstable during periods of heavy wind and rain. Following the complaints, officials from the Public Works Department and technical experts conducted an inspection of the installation. Preliminary findings reportedly indicated that the statue’s structural balance may have weakened, creating fears about public safety.
Authorities have now started considering the possibility of temporarily removing the statue to avoid any potential accident. Officials stressed that the decision is being discussed purely from a safety perspective and not because of any opposition to the monument itself. According to sources, efforts are being made to identify a safer and more secure location where the statue can be reassembled in the future.
The development has triggered emotional reactions among football fans across Kolkata. For many residents, the Messi statue represented much more than a decorative structure. It symbolised the city’s emotional connection with football and its long-standing admiration for international stars, especially Lionel Messi.
Kolkata has historically been regarded as one of India’s football capitals. The city has a rich football culture, and support for teams like Argentina and Brazil has often been visible during every FIFA World Cup season. Messi’s popularity in the city reached another level after Argentina lifted the World Cup trophy in 2022.
Fans say the statue became an important landmark within a short period. Social media platforms were flooded with images and videos of visitors standing beside the towering structure. Young football lovers especially considered it a symbol of inspiration and sporting passion.
At the same time, the controversy has also raised broader questions regarding the planning and engineering standards followed during the construction of large public installations. Experts believe that monuments of such height require constant structural monitoring, particularly in regions that experience strong winds and seasonal storms.
Several civic groups have suggested that instead of removing the statue permanently, authorities should focus on strengthening its base and ensuring proper maintenance. Others argue that public safety must remain the top priority, even if it means relocating the monument.
The issue has also revived memories of the chaotic scenes witnessed during Messi’s Kolkata event last year, when crowd management problems and ticketing disputes led to unrest among fans at the stadium. Despite those controversies, the football icon’s popularity in the city has remained unaffected.
