A Thursday shooting hit close to Lionel Messi as shooters fired 14 shots into a grocery store owned by the Paris Saint-Germain star’s in-laws in Rosario. Additionally, a sign was left in the establishment that threatened Messi.
The situation involving the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner reached the president of Argentina, Alberto Fernández, who commented on the matter.
“[On Thursday] I woke up with very ugly news,” Fernández said (h/t Infobae). “I immediately contacted [Mayor Pablo Javkin] [and] I spoke directly with the chief of staff. I told him that something else will have to be done.
“We are doing a lot, but obviously, something more will have to be done. The problem of violence and organized crime is very serious.”
According to the information that Infobae accessed, those responsible for the business had not received extortion in the hours before the shooting, with twelve served pods found on the street.
Furthermore, the incident likely ends any talk of Messi returning to Argentina and playing for his boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys. Manager Gabriel Heinze believes that the threat by a group of drug traffickers against Messi and his family “distances” the Rosario star from returning.
If Messi leaves PSG, it will likely be to MLS side Inter Miami or a Saudi Arabian club, where at least he can attempt to ensure his family’s safety.
