A giant statue of football icon Lionel Messi has been removed in eastern India after concerns were raised about the stability of the structure during strong winds, local authorities said.
The 21-metre statue, located in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, was dismantled on Monday using cranes and support ropes after residents reported that it appeared to be swaying.
Officials supervised the operation as the gold-coloured sculpture, which depicts Messi holding the FIFA World Cup trophy, was taken away on a flatbed truck for storage.
“The statue was removed after complaints from local residents who noticed movement during windy conditions,” local lawmaker Sharadwat Mukherjee said.
Authorities said the statue will remain in a government warehouse while discussions continue over a possible new location.
The monument was unveiled in December during a promotional tour linked to Messi’s visit to India. The Argentine captain remains one of the most popular footballers in the world following Argentina’s World Cup triumph and is expected to lead his country at the FIFA World Cup 2026 in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The statue has also attracted political attention following recent changes in government leadership in West Bengal. Reports in local media said the project was supported by former chief minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress administration.
Following the election victory of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party in the state, some officials criticised the structure, with state sports minister Nisith Pramanik reportedly describing it as unsuitable for its location.
Despite India’s limited success on the international football stage, the sport enjoys enormous popularity across the country. While cricket remains the nation’s dominant sport, football continues to attract millions of fans, particularly in regions such as West Bengal, where support for global stars like Messi remains exceptionally strong.
The removal of the statue has sparked widespread discussion among football supporters, with many hoping the tribute to the Argentina legend will eventually be reinstalled at a safer and more suitable venue.
