A Giant Lionel Messi statue in Kolkata is set to be removed amid safety fears after it was spotted “swaying in the wind”.
The huge sculpture stands at 70ft and was only erected in December during the World Cup winner’s ‘GOAT’ tour of India.
Messi’s tour came after his memorable MLS Cup triumph with Inter Miami as he was joined by team-mates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul.
The former Barcelona superstar helped reveal the structure in a virtual unveiling after it was built in the West Bengal region.
The statue shows Messi proudly holding up the World Cup after winning the trophy with Argentina in 2022.
But just five months later, the statue will have to be taken down after officials found it to be “unsafe”.
West Bengal state legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee said: “The statue of the Argentine football legend was found [to be] unsafe.
“We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind.
“Removal has proved easier said than done. We’re planning to remove the statue at the earliest opportunity.”
Messi’s tour proved to be chaotic on the whole after his three-day trip was marred by violence.
A number of fans hit out at the organisers after buying tickets to see Messi but failing to get a good glimpse of the legendary player.
Some angry supporters stormed the pitch during Messi’s appearance in Kolkata.
They also tore down banners of the player while some hurled plastic chairs and water bottles.
Videos show supporters shouting at officials and politicians, vandalising stadium property and clashing with security personnel.
Organisers were accused of poor crowd control and preventing thousands of ticket holders from seeing Messi.
More than 80,000 tickets had sold out in just minutes, with Messi a hugely popular figure in India.
But fans felt they had been short-changed after some spent “a month’s salary” buying a ticket and reacted with fury.
West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee commented on the shocking scenes at the time, writing on X: “I am deeply disturbed and shocked by the mismanagement witnessed today at Salt Lake Stadium.
“I was on my way to the stadium to attend the event along with thousands of sports lovers and fans who had gathered to catch a glimpse of their favourite footballer, Lionel Messi.”
She added: “I sincerely apologise to Lionel Messi, as well as to all sports lovers and his fans, for the unfortunate incident.”
