Lionel Messi and His Family’s in Danger After Death Threats: Why Was the World Cup Winner Threatened in His Hometown?

Ever since Lionel Messi won the World Cup 2022, his popularity in Argentina has grown tenfold. Messi‘s incredible performance in Qatar last year ended Argentina’s trophy drought. The entire country came together to celebrate the Word Cup title after Argentina defeated France in a dramatic final. However, even after winning the World Cup, Messi is not welcomed with open arms in his native town, Rosario. 

The deadly attacks on Lionel Messi’s family-owned shop in Rosario last month have put Messi and his family under threat. In the early hours of February 2, a supermarket named ‘Unico‘ was attacked by two gunmen. The shop is owned by Messi’s wife, Antonella Rocuzzo’s family. Despite firing multiple rounds, fortunately, no one got injured. However, the gunmen left a message for the PSG star. 

Lionel Messi Threatened By Gunmen After Attack On Shop Owned By Wife’s Family In Rosario.😳 pic.twitter.com/cyTKfMMh1v

— Poetik Flakko (@FlakkoPoetik) March 3, 2023

The gunmen wrote “Messi, we are waiting for you. Javkin is a drug dealer. He is not going to look after you.” This was a reference to the mayor of Rosario, Pablo Javkin. According to reports from AP, Javkin was infuriated at the local police for failing to put a leash on the increasing violence in Rosario. Javkin condemned the attack on Messi’s family and even raised questions about the federal security forces. 

Javkin said, “I doubt everyone, even those who are supposed to protect us. Where are the ones who need to take care of us? It’s clear that those who have the weapons and have the possibility of investigating the criminals aren’t doing it, and it’s very easy for any gang to carry out something like this.” However, it is still unclear why Messi’s shop was particularly targeted in the attack. Messi is to release a statement regarding the incident. 

Lionel Messi likely to end career in Rosario

Lionel Messi is likely to end his soccer career at his boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, in Rosario. While Messi has over the past frequently talked about his desire to play for Newell’s again, recently, Sergio Aguero made a striking revelation about Messi’s future. Aguero, who is Messi’s best friend, said during an interview, “He is seriously considering the possibility of playing for Newell’s.”

However, the recent attack on Messi’s shop in Rosario has put the possibility of Messi’s return to Newell’s under threat. Although, there are reports that Messi will play in a testimonial match in Rosario on June 16 this year. The match will be a farewell match for Messi’s former Argentine teammate, Maxi Rodriguez. This match will also act as a test run in case Messi actually decides to play for Newell’s.