Overview
- State engineers inspected the statue and told officials on Wednesday that the 21‑metre figure was unstable and “swings with the wind,” prompting a decision to remove it for safety.
- The golden sculpture depicts Lionel Messi holding the World Cup and stands beside a busy road and a metro station, which officials say increases the chance of harm if it fell.
- Municipal workers have looped heavy nylon ropes around the statue and set up barricades to keep people and traffic away while removal plans are drawn up.
- Officials say taking down or moving the 21‑metre metal structure is technically difficult because of its size and its location, and they have not decided whether it will be relocated, dismantled, or stored.
- The monument was installed during Messi’s December GOAT tour and became controversial after that visit’s chaotic, poorly managed event, raising local concern about public safety and crowd management going forward.