A giant statue of Lionel Messi has been taken down after officials reportedly discovered the structure was moving in strong winds, prompting concerns over public safety.
The 70-foot monument, which was unveiled in India during celebrations linked to Messi's visit to the country, had become a major attraction in Kolkata, West Bengal.
However, local authorities ordered its removal after an inspection found potential structural issues that raised fears about the stability of the towering tribute.
The statue, which was erected in December as part of Messi's widely publicised "GOAT" tour, had drawn crowds of supporters eager to celebrate one of football's greatest players.
But concerns emerged after local residents reportedly complained about the condition of the structure.
Engineers from the Public Works Department carried out an inspection and concluded the monument posed a potential safety risk.
West Bengal legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee revealed that officials had observed movement in the statue during windy conditions.
"The statue of the Argentine football legend was found unsafe," he said.
A giant statue of Lionel Messi has been taken down after officials reportedly discovered the structure was moving in strong winds, prompting concerns over public safety
|GETTY
"We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind."
The discovery prompted authorities to order the immediate removal and relocation of the landmark.
Its location complicated matters, however.
Mukherjee explained that the monument stood close to a busy road network and a nearby subway, making the operation particularly challenging.
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The statue of Lionel Messi had attracted huge tourism in India
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He said officials intended to remove the structure "at the earliest opportunity" despite the logistical difficulties involved.
In the days leading up to its dismantling, workers secured the fibreglass and iron construction using heavy-duty nylon ropes while barriers were erected to keep pedestrians and vehicles away from the area.
The precautionary measures remained in place until the removal operation could be completed.
Local reports now suggest the statue has been successfully dismantled and transported away from the site.
According to the Press Trust of India, the monument will remain in the custody of the Public Works Department while authorities decide on its future.
No announcement has yet been made regarding where the statue may eventually be relocated or whether it will undergo repairs before being displayed again.
The monument was one of the most eye-catching tributes to Messi anywhere in the world and quickly became a talking point among football supporters.
Lionel Messi is currently preparing to play at the World Cup having helped Argentina win the iconic trophy in 2022
| GETTYMessi's popularity in India remains enormous despite never having played club football in the country, with fans turning out in large numbers whenever the Argentine icon visits.
While the statue's future remains uncertain, Messi himself is focused on far more pressing matters.
The Argentina captain is currently preparing for another World Cup campaign after inspiring his nation to glory in Qatar in 2022.
Messi played a pivotal role in Argentina's memorable triumph, producing a series of outstanding performances before lifting the trophy following a dramatic final victory over France.
Argentina's preparations for this year's tournament include warm-up matches against Honduras and Iceland before beginning their World Cup campaign.
They have been drawn alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan in the group stage as Messi seeks to lead his country to another successful tournament.