28.05.2026 18:00
A 21-meter-tall giant statue of Lionel Messi erected in India posed a safety risk due to swaying in the wind. Authorities decided to remove the monument, touted as the world's largest Messi statue, following complaints from local residents.
A decision has been made to demolish the giant statue erected in memory of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi in Kolkata, India.
MESSI'S STATUE BEING DEMOLISHED
The monument, built late last year and attracting great interest from football fans, will be removed due to structural safety risks. According to BBC News; the 21-meter-tall giant statue located in the Lake Town neighborhood began to sway in windy weather. This caused great concern among local residents, prompting local authorities to take action. Following technical inspections carried out by Public Works Department engineers in the area, it was determined that the statue posed a structural risk, and it was decided to remove it for safety reasons.
IT WAS THE WORLD'S LARGEST MESSI STATUE
Depicting the iconic moment when Lionel Messi lifted the trophy after his 2022 World Cup victory, this monument held the distinction of being the largest statue ever made of Messi in the world. Completed after about 40 days of intensive labor by local craftsmen, the massive structure had generated great global resonance on social media after its unveiling.
REMOVAL PROCESS WILL NOT BE EASY
Officials note that removing the giant structure will be a very challenging process. Due to the statue's location right next to a major highway with heavy traffic and a metro station, it has been reported that a special and meticulous plan will be made to carry out the demolition and removal work without harming the surrounding area.