Kolkata Moves Messi Statue Due to Safety Concerns

A 70-foot statue of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi in Kolkata, India, is set to be moved over safety concerns. The statue, which was installed in December as part of Messi's promotional tour in India, was deemed unsafe following inspections by the Public Works Department after complaints from local residents.

West Bengal state legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee confirmed that the structure was found to be unstable, particularly in strong winds. The statue is located near a busy road and a subway system, complicating its removal.

Authorities have planned to dismantle and relocate the statue as soon as possible. Local reports indicate that the fiberglass and iron structure is temporarily stabilized with heavy-duty nylon ropes, and barricades have been placed around the area to keep pedestrian traffic away.

A 45-member crew was involved in the statue's assembly, which was unveiled during a virtual ceremony.