Lionel Messi’s statue vandalised in Argentina

New Delhi : Star footballer Lionel Messi’s both hands have been removed. Don’t worry is alive, a statue of Lionel Messi in Argentina's capital has been vandalised and the player's upper body, arms and head removed. 

The statue on the Paseo de la Gloria walkway overlooking the River Plate has been ripped apart at the waist leaving only the lower body and a ball.

The officials are unaware who is responsible for such a huge damage. However, the city administration has started repairing the statue. 

The statue was unveiled in June after Argentina lost the final of the Copa America to Chile on penalties, a defeat that prompted Messi to say he was quitting the national team.

The Barcelona forward, who returned to international duty for World Cup qualifiers in September, is widely loved in his homeland.

Messi was slammed for his performances for Argentina, who have lost three major finals in two years, including at the 2014 World Cup.