India removes a large Lionel Messi statue in Kolkata after safety concerns about its stability in strong winds. Multiple outlets report that engineers or observers noticed the 70-foot (about 21-metre) golden statue swaying or “swaying in the wind” after its May unveiling. Following complaints about the structure moving, the statue is secured and then taken down. BBC Sport and other reports say the decision is driven by concerns that the statue could pose a risk if it continues to sway in gusts. Several sources describe the removal process as involving dismantling and relocating the statue, with one outlet noting that it is locked safely away after the work is completed. Coverage also indicates that the statue is removed less than a year after its installation. While outlets differ slightly in details and wording, they consistently link the removal to reported instability during windy conditions and the resulting efforts to secure and dismantle it.