A group of gunmen has opened fire on a supermarket belonging to his in-laws, threatening to attack Argentine soccer superstar Lionel Messi.
Messi was threatened in a text message left by a gunman who fired a dozen bullets at the UNIDO supermarket in Rosario, the country’s third-largest city, which belonged to the family of Messi’s wife Antonella Roccuzzo. The city of Rosario is three hundred kilometers northwest of Buenos Aires.
A message outside Messi’s father-in-law’s shop reads: “Messi, we are waiting for you. [The mayor, Pablo] Javkin is a drug dealer, he will not keep you safe.”
Pablo Javkin, the mayor of the city of Rosario, criticized federal authorities for failing to stem the rise in drug violence by observing store raids.
Messi is respected by many Argentines as a great footballer. After 36 years under his leadership, Argentina’s national team won the World Cup last December, and his respect for him has only grown. Messi currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain. Spends a lot of time abroad. Although he also goes to Rosario. He has a house in the Fribourg de Funes.
On Thursday morning, the France national team posted photos of Messi’s training session on social media. Prosecutor Rosario Federico Ebola said security officers were reviewing surveillance camera footage and a preliminary investigation had begun. Messi’s in-laws also said it was the first time they had received such threats., Santa Fe Provincial Attorney General Celia Arena said the attack was carried out by a mafia group to spread terror in the community. He wrote on social media that the attack was intended to discourage people struggling with criminal violence.
Messi, who lives in Paris with his family, is expected to return to Argentina later this month to play two friendlies for the national team. Expectations are high for his return, as the matches are the first Argentina have played since winning the World Cup in Qatar. One of them will be exhibited in Buenos Aires.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) is yet to announce which city will host the second game. Player safety in Rosario is another factor affected by the uncertainty. Less than a month ago, Mayor Jackie spoke out against the manager, who blamed the fact that many playing families refused to move to the city for not signing new players.
(With inputs from agencies)
