A giant statue of football star Lionel Messi installed in India to commemorate his visit last year is now set to be removed after officials raised safety concerns.
The 21-metre (70-foot) golden statue, located in Kolkata, West Bengal, shows the Argentine World Cup winner lifting the trophy. It was unveiled during Messi’s “GOAT Tour” of India in December.
However, a local lawmaker told AFP that engineers from the West Bengal government found the structure unsafe. Concerns grew after reports that the statue was “swaying in the wind,” prompting immediate action to secure it.
Workers have since climbed the structure and used ropes to stabilise it, as it stands over a busy road in the city. Authorities say the removal process is complicated and will take time.
The legislator said it is not yet clear whether the statue will be relocated or dismantled permanently, but confirmed that removal is planned as soon as possible.
India, while a cricket-dominant nation, continues to show growing interest in football, which is now considered the country’s second most popular sport despite its low FIFA ranking.
