A towering statue of football legend Lionel Messi in Kolkata, India, is set to be relocated after engineers raised safety concerns about the structure swaying during strong winds.

The 70-foot statue, installed in the Lake Town area near Kolkata, reportedly began drawing concern from residents after visible movement was noticed during windy conditions. Local authorities and engineers from the Public Works Department (PWD) later inspected the structure and concluded that it had structural deficiencies that could pose a public safety risk. 

According to Indian media reports, officials found that the statue’s balance and centre of gravity may have been compromised, increasing fears that the structure could become unstable in severe weather. Authorities subsequently secured the statue with ropes while discussions over its removal and relocation continued. 

The massive monument, which stands on a concrete base and features a fibreglass structure supported by an iron framework, was unveiled only months ago during Messi’s visit to India. The installation quickly became a tourist attraction and a symbol of Kolkata’s strong football culture. 

Officials in West Bengal are now reportedly searching for a safer alternative location for the statue. 

Residents in the area had earlier complained that the statue appeared to sway noticeably even in moderate winds, sparking fears that it could collapse onto nearby roads or pedestrians. Videos shared online also showed the structure moving during gusty weather conditions. 

Despite the controversy surrounding the monument, Messi remains one of the most celebrated football figures in India, particularly in Kolkata, a city known for its passionate football fan base.