Supermarket of in-laws Lionel Messi attacked by gunmen ‘demanding money from footballer’
- Gunmen leave a chilling note for Lionel Messi after a shooting in the Argentine city
- They warned the international that the mayor of Rosario will not take care of him
Gunmen have attacked a supermarket in Argentina owned by the family of Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela Roccuzzo and left a chilling message for the soccer star.
One of the two men on a motorbike was caught on CCTV walking to the compound in Messi’s home city of Rosario, about 180 miles northwest of Buenos Aires, firing repeatedly at metal shutters on the windows and front door.
Fourteen shots are said to have been fired at the supermarket.
The attackers also allegedly left a handwritten message at the crime scene that read, “Messi, Javkin will not look after you.”
Pablo Javkin is the current mayor of Rosario, the largest city in central Santa Fe province.
A local TV station reporting on the attack claimed the report suggested criminals may have been trying to extort money from the seven-time Ballon D’Or winner.
Image shows the note the gunmen allegedly dropped in the street
Lionel Messi of Argentina poses with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo on the green carpet for the Best FIFA Football Awards ceremony in Paris, France, Monday, February 27, 2023
Bullet holes are depicted on the door of a supermarket belonging to Antonela Roccuzzo’s family
A close-up shows when bullets went through the window into the store
The supermarket, which is called Supermercado Unico, belongs to Antonela’s family and is managed by one of her cousins.
It is expected to remain closed today following the firearm attack around 2 a.m.
Two people were seen riding a motorcycle before firing at the metal shutters.
Police reported that the suspects disposed of the note before leaving.
An investigation is underway.
The city is the most violent in the country, witnessed 250 murders in the first 11 months of 2022. This made it the third most violent year on record in which data was collected.
The city’s homicide rate is four times the national average and 70% of murders are associated with organized crime.
Police gather at the Unico supermarket, a chain owned by footballer Lionel Messi’s in-laws
A police officer takes pictures of bullet holes, which have since been marked as part of the investigation
Image shows the supermarket with shutters down in the city of Rosario, Argentina
Messi will play for Paris Saint Germain on February 26. The Argentine striker, now 35, scored in the 3-0 win over Marseille
Messi owns a huge mansion on the outskirts of Rosario called ‘The Fortress’.
Built on three adjoining lots in a gated private estate, the monster site has a huge cinema, gym and underground garage with enough space for 15 cars.
He married Antonela in a glitzy wedding at Rosario’s City Center Hotel and Casino in June 2017.
Guests included former Man City striker Sergio Aguero and Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez.
