India removes Messi statue after safety fears

Authorities in Kolkata have taken down a 21‑metre statue of Lionel Messi after locals reported it was swaying dangerously in strong winds. Hydraulic cranes and ropes were used to dismantle the gold‑coloured structure, which showed the Argentina star lifting the World Cup trophy. State lawmaker Sharadwat Mukherjee said the statue was removed for public safety and will be stored in a government warehouse until a new location is chosen.

Unveiled in December during Messi’s GOAT tour of India, the monument quickly became entangled in political tensions following West Bengal’s recent power shift. Originally backed by former chief minister Mamata Banerjee, it was later criticised by the new BJP sports minister as “unsightly.”

Despite India’s limited footballing success and its current FIFA ranking of 142, Messi remains hugely popular in the country, where football is the second‑most followed sport after cricket. The Argentina captain will lead his team at the upcoming World Cup.