Lionel Messi's 70-feet Statue in Kolkata which cost Rs 10 Crore, Set to be Demolished after Structural Fault

Just five months after its grand unveiling, Kolkata’s iconic 70-foot statue of football legend Lionel Messi is set for removal following serious structural deficiencies and safety risks exposed by moderate winds.

The iron-and-fibreglass statue, located near the Lake Town Clock Tower on VIP Road at Sree Bhumi Sporting Club, was virtually inaugurated by Messi himself on December 13, 2025, during the opening of his “GOAT India Tour.”

Built in a record 40 days by Kumartuli sculptor Monti Paul, it was conceptualised by former MLA Sujit Bose as a major tribute to the Argentine superstar’s popularity in the city. The sculpture cost Rs 10 crore and was inaugurated by the Argentine before the mishap at the Yuba Bharati Krirangan on the same day.

The towering figure, holding an oversized eight-foot World Cup replica, quickly became a local landmark but also drew criticism for its alleged lack of resemblance to Messi.

And after Trinamool Congress' dismal defeat in the Assembly Election and the arrival of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) at the helm, the new West Bengal government has decided to demolish the structure.

On Monday, videos of the statue visibly swaying in wind went viral, prompting alarmed residents to file a complaint at Lake Town Police Station. They demanded immediate demolition or relocation, citing risks to pedestrians and traffic at the busy intersection. A local labourer described the shaking from the base upward, warning of potential collapse.

The Public Works Department (PWD) conducted a swift inspection and identified “structural deficiencies,” noting that the centre of gravity was “off the mark.” Officials fear the statue could fail during the upcoming monsoon. No No Objection Certificate was obtained from the PWD before installation. Authorities have decided to remove the structure at the earliest.

The episode echoes broader controversies around hasty civic installations in Kolkata. A separate and weird football-themed sculpture outside Salt Lake Stadium was recently demolished amid similar aesthetic and procedural issues. A High Court bench had earlier sought reports on whether the Messi and a nearby Maradona statues violated land-use norms. MyKhel talked with locals of the area, who also had concerns over the statue.

"It needs to be demolished. The way the statue was made is so concerning as it can cause a major accident any day. Who will take responsibility if someone loses their life or gets injured? We welcome BJP's decision to smash the statue," a person said in condition of anonymity.

"Even Lionel Messi will be happy that this statue is getting demolished. It doesn't even look like him," said another.