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  "path": "/sport/football/lionel-messi-statue-india",
  "publishedAt": "2026-06-03T08:14:07.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Phil Taylor calls for drastic action to protect Luke Littler from 'life-destroying' abuse",
    "Manchester United agree deal to sign star midfielder for £34million",
    "John McEnroe questions huge French Open fine after controversial comments",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nA 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.\n\nThe 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.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHowever, local authorities ordered its removal after an inspection found potential structural issues that raised fears about the stability of the towering tribute.\n\nThe 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.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\nBut concerns emerged after local residents reportedly complained about the condition of the structure.\n\nEngineers from the Public Works Department carried out an inspection and concluded the monument posed a potential safety risk.\n\nWest Bengal legislator Sharadwat Mukherjee revealed that officials had observed movement in the statue during windy conditions.\n\n\"The statue of the Argentine football legend was found unsafe,\" he said.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\"We have noticed that the statue is swaying in the wind.\"\n\nThe discovery prompted authorities to order the immediate removal and relocation of the landmark.\n\nIts location complicated matters, however.\n\nMukherjee explained that the monument stood close to a busy road network and a nearby subway, making the operation particularly challenging.\n\n### LATEST SPORTS NEWS:\n\n\n\n\n  * Phil Taylor calls for drastic action to protect Luke Littler from 'life-destroying' abuse\n  * Manchester United agree deal to sign star midfielder for £34million\n  * John McEnroe questions huge French Open fine after controversial comments\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nHe said officials intended to remove the structure \"at the earliest opportunity\" despite the logistical difficulties involved.\n\nIn 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.\n\nThe precautionary measures remained in place until the removal operation could be completed.\n\nLocal reports now suggest the statue has been successfully dismantled and transported away from the site.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAccording to the Press Trust of India, the monument will remain in the custody of the Public Works Department while authorities decide on its future.\n\nNo announcement has yet been made regarding where the statue may eventually be relocated or whether it will undergo repairs before being displayed again.\n\nThe monument was one of the most eye-catching tributes to Messi anywhere in the world and quickly became a talking point among football supporters.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMessi'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.\n\nWhile the statue's future remains uncertain, Messi himself is focused on far more pressing matters.\n\nThe Argentina captain is currently preparing for another World Cup campaign after inspiring his nation to glory in Qatar in 2022.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nMessi 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.\n\nArgentina's preparations for this year's tournament include warm-up matches against Honduras and Iceland before beginning their World Cup campaign.\n\nThey have been drawn alongside Algeria, Austria and Jordan in the group stage as Messi seeks to lead his country to another successful tournament.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Lionel Messi statue taken down in India after alarming discovery"
}