India to dismantle 21-metre Lionel Messi statue over safety concerns

Authorities in India plan to dismantle a 21-metre statue of football star Lionel Messi due to safety concerns, according to local media reports.

The monument, located in the eastern state of West Bengal, depicts the forward for Inter Miami CF and captain of the Argentina national football team.

Speaking to BBC, West Bengal legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee said the structure had been deemed unstable.

“The statue of the Argentine football legend was found [to be] unsafe. We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind,” he said.

The statue was inaugurated in December 2025, with reports indicating that Messi himself attended the unveiling ceremony. Local authorities say the removal decision was taken as a precautionary measure following structural assessments.