A 21-meter statue of Lionel Messi was dismantled in India due to a security threat
In Kolkata, India, a giant 21-meter statue of Lionel Messi—which had been erected as a tribute to the Argentine soccer player—was dismantled. The decision to remove it was made following complaints from local residents and an inspection by engineers, who identified safety risks with the structure.
The monument initially generated a lot of interest but later became a subject of controversy due to its condition and location.
The monument was installed in December 2025 during the soccer player’s three-day tour, titled the GOAT India Tour 2025. It was created as a symbol of Messi’s popularity in India and as part of the soccer events accompanying the visit.
The structure was made of fiberglass and iron and secured in place with nylon ropes. It was initially intended as a temporary installation but eventually became a tourist attraction. Engineers from India’s Department of Public Works conducted an inspection following complaints from local residents. During the inspection, they concluded that the structure had serious stability issues and could pose a danger to people.
Following this, a decision was made to immediately dismantle and relocate the statue. Authorities also noted that the monument was situated next to a busy road and a subway station, which complicated safety concerns.
The process of removing the structure was complicated by its size and location. Local officials noted that the work had to be carried out with the utmost care to avoid damaging the surrounding infrastructure. Before dismantling, the area around the statue was cordoned off with barricades to block access to people and vehicles. After the work was completed, the monument was transported to storage under the supervision of the Department of Public Works.
At present, the final location for the statue’s reinstallation has not been determined. Authorities are considering options for its restoration or relocation to a safer site. Despite the dismantling, the very idea of the monument has become part of India’s rich soccer history, where interest in Lionel Messi remains exceptionally high. This is reported bythe BBC.
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