India to remove Messi’s statue over safety concerns

Indian government has concluded plans to remove a giant statue of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi after engineers declared the structure unsafe.

The 21-metre golden-coloured statue, which depicts the Argentine captain lifting the FIFA World Cup trophy, was erected in December 2025 during Messi’s widely celebrated “GOAT Tour” of India.

Workers were seen climbing the towering structure in India’s eastern city of Kolkata on Wednesday, fastening ropes around it in an attempt to stabilise it after officials discovered it had begun swaying dangerously in the wind.

West Bengal state lawmaker Sharadwat Mukherjee said government engineers had raised concerns about the safety of the monument.

Mukherjee said: “The statue of the Argentine football legend in the city of Kolkata was found unsafe by engineers of the West Bengal government.

“We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind.”

According to him, removing the structure has proven difficult due to its massive size and location along a busy roadway in Kolkata.

Argentina coach optimistic over Messi’s fitness ahead of World Cup

“Removal has proved easier said than done. We are planning to remove the statue at the earliest opportunity,” Mukherjee said, without confirming whether it would be relocated or permanently dismantled.

Meanwhile, Argentina are preparing to begin their World Cup title defence against Algeria on June 16 in Kansas City.

Although Messi has yet to officially confirm his participation, the 38-year-old is widely expected to feature at the tournament, which would mark a record-equalling sixth World Cup appearance.

Despite India’s struggles in international football – currently ranked 142nd by FIFA – the sport continues to enjoy massive popularity across the country.

Research released on Wednesday by data company Nielsen showed football remains India’s second most-followed sport after cricket.