Ecuadorian football is in mourning for the murder of Mario Pineida. The Barcelona SC defender was killed by armed men who entered a business in the Samanes 4 neighborhood, north of Guayaquil.

The Ecuadorian club lamented the loss of the defender. Barcelona Sporting Club of Guayaquil published a statement officially announcing the death of the footballer. The club itself asserts in its statement that it was an attack against Mario Pineida.

“Barcelona Sporting Club reports, with deep sadness, that it has been officially notified of the death of our player Mario Pineida, which occurred following an attack against him. This regrettable news has deeply saddened all of us who are part of the institution, and grieves us as a Barcelona family,” the club wrote.

The report from the ECU-911 emergency system details that the incident occurred around 3:53 pm Ecuador time. The Barcelona player was doing some shopping in the area with two women who were accompanying him.

Information gathered by the Ecuadorian news site Expreso details that armed individuals entered the store and “opened fire on them.” According to the report, these individuals had been following the footballer and his companions. One of the companions died, while the other was injured.

Mario Pineida and a prestigious career

At 33 years old, Pineida remained active in Ecuadorian football. The veteran full-back was a valuable asset and a useful alternative for Barcelona SC.

During his professional career, Mario Pineida played for Panama SC, Independiente, Fluminense, Nacional SC, and had several stints with Barcelona de Guayaquil. Fluminense was his only international experience. The Brazilian club released a statement following the incident.

“Fluminense Football Club received with deep sadness the news of the passing of Mario Pineida, an athlete who played for the club in 2022. Pineida arrived at Fluminense at the start of the season in which we were crowned champions of Rio de Janeiro. Fluminense expresses its solidarity with his family and friends,” the club stated.

Mario Pineida had the opportunity to be called up to the Ecuadorian national team. The full-back played eight matches for La Tri. Pineida saw playing time in a Copa America and in the South American World Cup Qualifiers.

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