On Monday, workers from Kolkata's Public Works Department were seen dismantling and shifting Kolkata's towering Lionel Messi statue that had become a major attraction - and concern.

The 70-foot installation, unveiled during Messi's India visit last year as a tribute to Argentina's World Cup triumph, was removed after citizens raised safety concerns, claiming it visibly swayed during strong winds and thunderstorms. While football fans gathered to watch the operation, authorities said no decision had yet been taken on where (and if) the structure would be reinstalled.