A towering 21-meter statue of football icon Lionel Messi was dismantled in Kolkata this past Monday after residents raised alarms about the structure swaying precariously in the wind. Authorities utilized hydraulic cranes and ropes to carefully take down the gold-colored monument, which depicted the Argentine star hoisting the World Cup trophy. The sculpture, which was unveiled last December during a high-profile tour, is currently being held in a government warehouse while officials determine if it can be safely reinstalled elsewhere.

The removal of the statue has also sparked political discourse in West Bengal following a recent shift in power. Originally commissioned under the previous administration, the piece faced harsh criticism from the newly elected BJP leadership, who labeled the artwork "unsightly." Despite India's deep-rooted passion for cricket, football remains the nation's second most popular sport. While the country continues to work on improving its international standing in the sport, the fate of the controversial Messi tribute remains uncertain as local authorities weigh its future.