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Giant Messi statue in India removed over safety concerns

The 21-metre (70ft) sculpture in Kolkata was removed after it was deemed unstable in strong winds.

Published: 9:09pm, 2 Jun 2026

A giant statue of football superstar Lionel Messi was taken down in India on Monday. The 21-metre (70ft) sculpture in Kolkata was removed over safety concerns as the statue was seen swaying in strong winds. The statue was erected to commemorate his December 2025 India “GOAT Tour”.

Giant Messi statue in India removed over safety concerns

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}The 21-metre (70ft) sculpture in Kolkata was removed after it was deemed unstable in strong winds.

The 21-metre (70ft) sculpture in Kolkata was removed after it was deemed unstable in strong winds.