A 70-foot statue of football star Lionel Messi in Kolkata, India, faces immediate removal. The monument was found to be swaying in the wind. Engineers have declared its structural integrity severely compromised. This decision follows complaints from local residents.
The giant fibreglass-and-iron structure was erected in December 2023. It commemorates Messi's global acclaim as the 'greatest of all time' or 'GOAT'. Public Works Department engineers inspected the statue on Monday. They identified significant safety risks due to its condition.
West Bengal state legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee confirmed the danger. "The statue of the Argentine football legend was found unsafe," he stated. "We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind." The statue's location next to a busy road and a subway presents removal challenges. Authorities aim to relocate it as soon as possible.
The statue has been temporarily secured with heavy-duty nylon ropes. Barricades are in place to keep people and traffic at a safe distance. The monument was built by a 45-strong crew over 27 days. Lionel Messi himself virtually unveiled the statue in December. His visit to Kolkata that month was marred by stadium violence.
This situation highlights infrastructure concerns in rapidly developing urban areas. Public safety must be paramount, especially for large-scale public art installations. The cost of removal and relocation will be borne by the authorities. Officials are exploring suitable alternative sites for the statue.
The incident raises questions about the oversight and construction standards for such prominent public structures. It also impacts local tourism and public perception. The decision to move the statue underscores the importance of regular safety inspections. This ensures public spaces remain safe for everyone.