'Messi, we're waiting for you', threat left after family business attack

2023-03-03 11:50

'Messi, we're waiting for you', threat left after family business attack


Two motorcyclists opened fire at a supermarket owned by Messi's wife Antonella Rocuso in Rosario, Argentina, in the early hours of Thursday, local media and the city's mayor reported.


A handwritten message was also left on the store door threatening the 35- year-old Messi, Argentina captain and seven-time world player of the year.

" Messi, we are waiting for you, Pablo Jafkin (Mayor) is also a drug lord and he will not take care of you, " it read.

Jafkin accused security forces of failing to effectively fight organized crime that has grown in the key port city in recent years, with dozens of ships loading thousands of tons of grain every day.

" I spoke to Rocuso and they are concerned, " Jafkin told reporters outside the supermarket that was attacked.

Television footage showed bullet casings on the sidewalk, where the Rocuso family business is located. The facade of the building was hit by 14 rounds and shops remained closed Thursday morning.

Santa Fe Security Secretary Claudio Brilloni told reporters that authorities did not have any firm assumptions about the motive for the attack. Prosecutor Federico Rebola said the Rocuso family had not received any threats before, according to a Rosario media report .

'Messi, we're waiting for you', threat left after family business attack

Rosario has the highest murder rate

On the official Twitter account " Team Messi " and on Antonella Rocuso 's Instagram profile, there is no mention of the events .

The city of Rosario has one of the highest murder rates in Argentina, according to judicial complaints, as gangs linked to drug trafficking coexist and clashes that result in casualties are often reported.

The attack came weeks before Argentina played two friendlies in the South American nation and three months after Messi led his side to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar .

Neither game will be played in Rosario. Argentina will face Panama in the capital Buenos Aires on March 23 and they will play Curacao in the province of Santiago del Estero on March 28 .

The match will be Argentina's first since the World Cup. Head coach Lionel Scaloni has yet to name his squad.