This iron and fiberglass statue is located in the Lake Town neighborhood of Kolkata, West Bengal. However, this massive structure recently caused concern among passersby as it began to sway significantly in strong winds.

The local Public Works Department (PWD) immediately dispatched engineers to inspect the site after receiving public complaints. The inspection revealed severe damage to the statue's load-bearing structure. Consequently, Kolkata authorities decided to dismantle the statue.

Messi's statue in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, temporarily reinforced by cables on 27/5, before being dismantled and relocated. *AFP*.

Sharadwat Mukherjee, a West Bengal Member of Parliament, stated: "The statue of the Argentine football legend has been deemed unsafe. We observed the structure leaning and swaying in the wind".

The statue's proximity to a busy traffic route and a metro entrance complicates its removal. However, according to Mukherjee, authorities are determined to dismantle the structure as soon as possible.

According to the Indian news agency PTI, the inspection results showed loose bolts in the main frame, causing the swaying observed by residents. Although the issue was temporarily addressed, an urgent relocation order was issued. Currently, authorities are using high-strength cables for temporary reinforcement and have erected barricades to maintain a safe distance for people and vehicles while a new installation site is sought.

A symbol of a controversial tour

The statue, depicting Messi lifting the 2022 World Cup trophy, was inaugurated in 12/2025. Forty-five workers assembled the structure over approximately 27 to 40 days.

During the inauguration ceremony marking the "GOAT Tour" (with GOAT standing for "Greatest Of All Time"), the Argentine superstar unveiled the statue remotely via an online video screen. As part of the three-day tour, Messi visited major Indian cities including Kolkata, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.

Lionel Messi with two Inter Miami teammates, Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, during the "GOAT Tour" to India on 13/12/2025. *Reuters*.

However, the event was overshadowed by numerous organizational scandals. At Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, a large crowd event ended in chaos. Organizers had to urgently escort Messi off the field after just 22 minutes due to unruly spectators throwing objects from the stands.

Additionally, thousands of fans who spent substantial amounts on tickets were outraged by the poor organization. Spectator views were completely obstructed by dense security barriers protecting politicians and high-ranking officials. The situation became so tense that the event sponsor responsible for managing the event was later arrested by Indian police.

Police and security forces clashed with fans after Lionel Messi left Salt Lake Stadium in Kolkata, India, on 13/12/2025. *Reuters*.

Even before the swaying incident and the decision for its removal, Messi's statue faced public and legal scrutiny due to questions surrounding its building permits. Furthermore, the structure became a target of ridicule on social media platforms. Many fans expressed disappointment, humorously commenting that despite significant effort and expense, the statue bore "little resemblance" to the Inter Miami captain in real life.

Earlier this year, a similar unfortunate incident occurred with a bronze statue of superstar Cristiano Ronaldo on the island of Madeira, Portugal. A young man poured flammable liquid on the statue, set it ablaze, and posted a video on social media with a bizarre message: "This is God's final warning".

*Ha Phuong*.