Statue Removal Announced Amid Safety Concerns
In a bizarre turn of events, a giant statue of Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi, erected in Kolkata last year to commemorate his visit, is being dismantled after it began swaying dangerously in the wind. The 21-metre tall structure, located at a busy intersection, was intended as a tribute to the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner, but engineering flaws have rendered it unsafe.
A local lawmaker confirmed to AFP that the statue will be removed after workers were seen scrambling up the frame, throwing ropes over its shoulders to stabilize it. “The statue was swaying significantly, and we cannot risk any accidents,” the lawmaker said. “It will be taken down as soon as possible.”
Background of the Messi Statue in Kolkata
Kolkata, often called the cultural capital of India, has a deep love for football. The city is home to the iconic Kolkata Derby between Mohun Bagan and East Bengal, and its streets have long celebrated global football icons. When Messi visited India in 2023 for a promotional event, the city’s administration decided to erect a giant statue as a gesture of welcome and admiration.
The statue, made of fiberglass and steel, was installed near the Park Street area, a popular commercial hub. It depicted Messi in his signature pose, with a football at his feet, celebrating a goal. However, from the beginning, there were concerns about its structural integrity. The height and design made it vulnerable to strong winds, and recent gusts during the monsoon season exacerbated the problem.
Engineering Flaws and Safety Measures
Engineers who inspected the statue after reports of swaying noted that the base was not properly anchored and that the material used was too lightweight for such a tall structure. “It was a hasty installation,” said a structural engineer familiar with the project. “The statue acts like a sail in the wind, and without adequate reinforcement, it was only a matter of time before it became a hazard.”
Workers have now secured the statue with multiple ropes and scaffolding, but authorities have decided that removal is the only safe option. The process is expected to take several days, and the area has been cordoned off to prevent accidents.
Lionel Messi’s Global and Indian Fandom
Lionel Messi is arguably the most famous footballer in the world, with a fanbase that transcends borders. In India, his popularity rivals that of cricket stars. His Barcelona and Argentina jerseys are commonly seen in street football games across the country. The statue was intended to be a tourist attraction, drawing fans to take selfies and celebrate their hero.
Messi’s career is filled with record-breaking achievements: 7 Ballon d’Or awards, 4 Champions League titles, 10 La Liga titles, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina. His sublime dribbling, vision, and goal-scoring have made him a legend. For Indian fans, Messi’s visit was a once-in-a-lifetime event, and the statue was a token of that memory.
Previous Statue Controversies
This is not the first time a Messi statue has courted controversy. In 2016, a wax statue of Messi at a museum in Buenos Aires had to be repaired after fans damaged it while taking selfies. In 2018, a bronze statue in Rosario, Argentina, was vandalized. However, the Kolkata statue’s swaying issue is unique and has drawn amused reactions from social media users.
Some fans have joked that the statue was “dancing like Messi on the pitch,” while others have criticized the poor planning. A local resident said, “We love Messi, but this statue was an eyesore from the start. It looked like it was about to topple over.”
Cultural Significance of Football in Kolkata
Kolkata has a storied football history. The city hosted the first football match in India in 1888 and is home to the oldest football club in Asia, Mohun Bagan. The arrival of global stars like Messi only deepens the city’s passion. However, the failure of this statue project may discourage future attempts to install large commemorative structures without proper planning.
Football administrators in West Bengal have expressed disappointment but stressed that safety comes first. “We will explore other ways to honor Messi’s visit, perhaps a smaller plaque or a mural,” said a sports official. “We don’t want to disrespect the player or the fans.”
What Happens Next
As of now, the statue is expected to be removed piece by piece over the coming weeks. The fate of the materials is unclear; some suggest recycling the fiberglass, others propose donating parts to local football academies. The site will likely be cleared and possibly repurposed for a more stable monument.
Meanwhile, Messi himself has not commented on the incident, though his management team has been informed. The Argentine legend is currently preparing for the next season, having moved to Inter Miami in 2023, where he continues to thrill fans. In Kolkata, the memory of his visit remains, even if the statue did not.
This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the challenges of erecting large statues in urban environments, especially in regions prone to monsoon winds. For now, the swaying statue of Lionel Messi will be a short-lived landmark, but the love for the player endures.
Source: MSN News