Messi Statue in India Dismantled Due to Safety Concerns

A towering statue of Argentine football star Lionel Messi has been removed from a public park in India following fears it could collapse and cause injury. The 12-foot-tall fiberglass monument, erected in the city of Chandigarh, was taken down just days after its installation when local officials flagged potential structural weaknesses. The statue, which cost approximately $20,000, was part of a project to celebrate global sports icons. Authorities stated that the removal was a precautionary measure to ensure public safety, and plans for a reinforced replacement are under consideration.