A towering sculpture of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has been dismantled in India's Kolkata amid fears of structural instability.
A giant statue of football superstar Lionel Messi was taken down in India’s bustling city of Kolkata on Monday after it was discovered swaying dangerously due to strong winds. The towering structure, which stood as a testament to the global appeal of the sport and the admiration for Messi, had become a local landmark but posed significant safety risks.
The decision to remove the statue was made following concerns raised by local authorities who deemed the sculpture unstable. Safety inspections revealed that the statue's base was not securely anchored, leading to fears that it could collapse during strong winds or other adverse weather conditions. The removal process involved a team of skilled workers who carefully dismantled the structure piece by piece, ensuring minimal disruption to the surrounding area.
While the statue’s removal may be seen as a temporary setback for Messi fans in Kolkata, local football enthusiasts remain hopeful that a more secure and stable version will be erected soon. The incident has sparked discussions about the importance of maintaining public safety while celebrating sporting heroes.
