No longer an idol? Lionel Messi statue in India dismantled
Kenley Ward
Dailysports's expert
Messi posed a security threat.
Details: According to the BBC, the much-discussed statue of the legendary Lionel Messi in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, has been dismantled by order of city officials.
Reports indicate that the decision was made because, due to its size and structure, the statue posed a danger to city residents, as it would sway from side to side in strong winds.
Indian authorities have promised that the statue will be reinstalled, but at a different location where it won't pose a risk to the city's inhabitants.
The 21-meter Messi statue was made from fiberglass and iron, and secured with nylon ropes, which did little to stabilize it during heavy winds.
The statue was originally installed in December 2025 during the football star's three-day GOAT India Tour 2025.
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