Lionel Messi pictured on a bench eating a burger?

Abu Dhabi: Argentina and Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi has been spotted this week sitting on a bench eating a burger outside a restaurant in his homeland.

Thankfully for Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, a famed fitness freak, the Messi that appears in Bernal is just a sculpture of the little maestro.

It is understood the owners of ‘Big Tony’s’ restaurant erected the sculpture, which is of the four-time Fifa world player of the year in his Argentina kit, to boost trade.

A space exists beside Messi on the bench, representing the perfect photo opportunity for the 28-year-old's legion of fans.