Messi statue vandalised again in Buenos Aires

A statue depicting Lionel Messi embarking on one of his trademark dribbles fell victim to vandals once again over the weekend in the Argentinian capital of Buenos Aires.

The tribute was targeted in January, when culprits fled after removing the head, torso, and arms. This time most of the bronzed Barcelona forward was left lying on the pavement while his ankles and feet remained in the statue’s base.

(Photo courtesy: Noticias)

Police said the motive for this latest spate of vandalism on Paseo de la Gloria is unknown, BBC News reports, with its timing slightly peculiar given Messi’s heroics to help Argentina to next summer’s World Cup finals. The 30-year-old scored a hat-trick in the final match of CONMEBOL qualification in Ecuador, preserving La Albiceleste’s record of competing in every World Cup since 1974.

Related: Messi the hero as Argentina avoids disaster to nab World Cup berth

However, the vandals’ memory may be a little longer, and hark back to international performances that underwhelmed when compared to Messi’s exploits for Barcelona. He also flirted with international retirement after losing the Copa America Centenario final to Chile in June 2016.

The Messi …read more

Source: https://www.thescore.com/news/1438537