26th May | kolkata
A towering statue of football legend Lionel Messi in Kolkata has come under intense scrutiny after residents reported that the structure appeared to sway during strong winds, raising fears over public safety.The 70-foot-tall statue, installed near the Lake Town Clock Tower crossing along VIP Road, was unveiled in December 2025 during Messi’s much-publicised India visit as part of his “GOAT Tour”. The installation quickly became a major attraction for football fans in the city, known for its deep-rooted football culture. However, recent incidents have shifted attention from admiration to concerns about the statue’s structural stability.According to reports, passersby and local residents noticed unusual movement in the giant structure during moderate winds on Monday. Panic briefly spread across the busy stretch as videos of the statue swaying circulated widely on social media. Following complaints lodged at the Lake Town Police Station, officials from the Public Works Department (PWD) rushed to inspect the site.During the inspection, engineers reportedly found structural deficiencies in the statue’s framework. Officials stated that the centre of gravity of the installation was “off the mark”, while some screws in the primary framework had become loose, causing visible movement. Emergency repair work was carried out immediately, though authorities are still evaluating whether the structure can remain in place safely.Sources in the administration indicated that the statue could even be removed entirely if further inspections confirm major safety risks. Residents have demanded stricter safeguards, especially because the structure stands at a heavily crowded traffic intersection. Many questioned whether all required permissions and safety clearances had been obtained before the installation was approved.The statue project had earlier sparked controversy over alleged procedural lapses and debates regarding its resemblance to Messi. The installation was also linked to former Bengal minister Sujit Bose, who reportedly played a major role in bringing the project to the city.Despite the concerns, officials have maintained that immediate repair measures have stabilised the structure for now. Further technical assessments are expected before a final decision is taken on the future of Kolkata’s giant Messi monument.
