Ecuadorian Footballer Mario Pineida Killed in Guayaquil Sh00ting

Ecuadorian footballer Mario Pineida has tragically passed away after being shot in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The 33-year-old defender, who played for Barcelona Sporting Club, was attacked outside a shop in the northern part of the city, along with his mother and another woman. One other person was killed, and a third individual was injured in the incident.

Pineida, who made nine appearances for the Ecuador national team between 2015 and 2021, started his professional career at Independiente del Valle before joining Barcelona SC in 2016. He won two league titles with the club and had a brief spell at Fluminense in Brazil.

The football community is mourning his loss, with tributes pouring in from fans and fellow players. Barcelona SC described his death as a "huge loss" and expressed their deep sorrow. Ecuador's Interior Ministry has assigned a special police unit to investigate the incident, which is part of the rising violence in Guayaquil, linked to drug trafficking.

*Recent Violence in Ecuadorian Football*

This incident is the latest in a string of violent attacks on footballers in Ecuador. In November, a 16-year-old player died from a stray bullet, and in September, three second-division players were killed in separate shootings.