Lionel Messi statue unveiled in Buenos Aires,Argentina

A bronze statue of Argentine football star Lionel Messi has been unveiled in Buenos Aires just days after the player announced he was retiring from the national team.

Buenos Aires Mayor Horacio Larreta Rodriguez unveiled the statue on the shores of the River Plate.
The bronze statue was erected on Paseo de la Gloria (Glory Street), which already boasts statues of other famous Argentine sports starts such as tennis player Gabriela Sabatini and basketball player Manuel Ginobili

Buenos Aires mayor Horacio Rodriguez Larreta (centre) speaks at the unveiling of a statue of Messi

Following the defeat in the Copa America final on Sunday June 26,2016,Lionel Messi announced he was retiring from the national team and said

"for me, the national team is over".
"I've done all I can. It hurts not to be a champion," he added.

Fans of the player gathered at the statue on Tuesday June 28,2016

Many wore replicas of Messi's shirt while others tried to imitate his skills in front of the statue.