International footballer shot dead in Ecuador aged 33

BREAKING

Ecuadorian footballer Mario Pineida has died aged 33, after being shot in the port city of Guayaquil.

As reported by the BBC, Pineida passed away after being shot by two people on motorbikes, who opened fire on him as well as his mother outside of a shop in the city.

Investigations into Pineida's death are underway, according to the Ecuadorian interior ministry.

The player has represented the Ecuadorian national side on nine occasions, between 2014 and 2021.

The majority of his club career was split between Independiente DV and Guayaquil-based side Barcelona SC.

He also spent time on loan at Fluminese and El Nacional.

Barcelona SC have paid tribute to the player, saying: "This unfortunate news makes all of us who are part of this institution deeply dismayed".