Lionel Messi's Statue Vandalised In Argentina

A tweet from Argentine daily, La Nacion
reporting an act of vandalism on Lionel Messi's statue in Buenos Aires

Arguably the greatest player of all times, Lionel Messi is probably one of the most loved players in Catalonia, Spain. However, in his own country, which is separated from Spain by a distance of over 10, 000 kilometres, the football superstar has lately been subjected to an act of vandalism. 

A statue of Lionel Messi has been vandalised in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

The bronze statue, which was unveiled in June last year, has been broken in half by vandals who have removed the torso, arms and head from the statue. The sculpture was revealed last year before the public just as Messi had announced his retirement from the Argentine national team- a decision which he later reversed.

The motive for the damage remains unknown as of yet, as city officials say that repairs to the statue are already under way.

The statue, now vandalised, stands on Paseo de la Gloria (Glory Street), which is also occupied  by casts of other famous Argentine sports personalities such as tennis player Gabriela Sabatini and basketball player Manuel Ginobili.

Also, it has come forward that statues in that area have been targeted by vandals or thieves previously too, which could suggest that the act was possibly carried out for personal gain rather than out of hatred for Messi.

The Buenos Aires municipal government also came up with a statement regarding the matter, saying, "The statue of Lionel Messi... was victim of an act of vandalism that left the footballer's sculpture without its top half." 

They also added, "The city government is already working on its repair."