70-foot Lionel Messi statue in Lake Town being demolished?

A 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi installed in Lake Town, Kolkata, is under review for possible demolition amid serious safety concerns, with officials indicating that action could be taken as early as Monday night if conditions permit. The development follows complaints from residents and an inspection by officials from the Public Works Department, police, and municipal authorities.

The structure, located along VIP Road, was installed under the supervision of Sreebhumi Sporting Club and was virtually inaugurated by Lionel Messi during his visit to Kolkata on December 13 last year. The statue quickly became a local landmark for football fans but has since drawn attention over concerns related to its structural stability.

Local residents have alleged that the statue sways during strong winds and that soil erosion has occurred around its base. Complaints were filed with Lake Town police station, citing potential safety risks and alleging that proper approvals and a No Objection Certificate from the Public Works Department may not have been obtained for the installation.

Officials and engineers visited the site following the complaints to assess the condition of the structure. The statue area includes a large screen installed at the base where people gather in the evenings to watch sports events, raising additional safety concerns among residents due to the possibility of collapse.

Following the inspection, authorities are reportedly considering demolition of the structure, although no official confirmation has been issued. The statue, built in 2025, had earlier faced criticism over its resemblance to Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan and has remained controversial since its inauguration.