A 70-foot statue of Lionel Messi standing in Kolkata, India, has been removed months after its installation, with reports estimating its cost at over $1.2 million (over PKR 29 crores).
According to Indian media reports, the decision came after the statue was seen swaying in strong winds, raising safety concerns.
Videos shared on social media show workers using hydraulic cranes and ropes to dismantle the 21-metre structure on Monday before loading it onto an open-top flatbed truck.
The gold-coloured statue showed the Argentina and Inter Miami forward lifting the World Cup trophy. It was unveiled in December during Messi’s widely publicised GOAT tour of India.
The installation attracted major attention from football fans due to its scale and design, which highlighted the 38-year-old’s global achievements.
Messi continues to lead Argentina and is expected to captain the side at the upcoming World Cup, which will be held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
