Lionel Messi Statue in India Poor Quality, Must Be Dismantled Again

JAKARTA - A 70-foot (about 21 meters) tall statue of Lionel Messi in India will be dismantled due to security concerns after it was seen swaying in the wind.

The monument is located in Kolkata, West Bengal, and features Messi lifting the World Cup trophy in honor of Argentina's victory at the 2022 World Cup.

The statue was built in December 2025 during the Argentine megastar's tour, when he explored the country with Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.

On Monday, May 25, 2026, local time, local residents filed a complaint with the Department of Public Works because the statue seemed unstable in the wind.

After the examination, it was confirmed that the structural integrity of the monument was disturbed. Therefore, the statue must be dismantled.

"The statue of the Argentine football legend was found unsafe. We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind," said West Bengal state legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee.

The monument was built in 27 days and is considered the tallest football player monument ever made. Authorities are reportedly evaluating alternative locations for the monument's reinstallation.