Foto ANI (Asian News International)
The monument depicting Messi with the World Cup won at the 2022 World Cup was unveiled in December during the soccer player’s visit to India, TASS writes. However, experts soon identified problems with the stability of the structure.
“The statue of the Argentine soccer legend turned out to be unsafe. We noticed that it was swaying in the wind,” said West Bengal state assemblyman Sharadwat Mukherjee.
Despite the dismantling, the city authorities have no intention of abandoning the monument. They plan to find a new site for the 21-meter high monument, which is comparable to a seven-story building, where it can be installed without risking the surrounding area.
While in Calcutta decide the fate of the statue, Messi himself is preparing for the World Cup in 2026. Forward included in the application of the national team of Argentina and may become the first footballer in history, played at six mundials. Mexico goalkeeper Guillermo Ochoa, 40, and Portugal striker Cristiano Ronaldo, 41, can also repeat this achievement at the upcoming tournament.
