Messi Statue In Argentina

A statue in Buenos Aires of Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi has been vandalized, with the head, torso and arms all being removed - leaving only the legs and a soccer ball on display.

Idols of football stars smile upon the adoring fans from street corners, amateur graffiti artists are busy decorating the walls with portraits of the game's legends and wannabe heroes, and the ever-popular local sweet sandesh gets a soccer makeover as Kolkata gears up to soak in the spirit of the World Cup that gets underway in Brazil Thursday.

A statue in Buenos Aires of Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi has been vandalized, with the head, torso and arms all being removed - leaving only the legs and a soccer ball on display.

Idols of football stars smile upon the adoring fans from street corners, amateur graffiti artists are busy decorating the walls with portraits of the game's legends and wannabe heroes, and the ever-popular local sweet sandesh gets a soccer makeover as Kolkata gears up to soak in the spirit of the World Cup that gets underway in Brazil Thursday.