Messi receives touching support from first club Newell's Old Boys after hometown attack

Shocking news emerged that a supermarket owned by the family of Messi's wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, was targeted by a gang who shot at the door and windows.

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They also left a terrifying message, which read: "Messi we are waiting for you, Javkin is also a drug trafficker, he is not going to take care of you."

The message referred to Pablo Javkin, the mayor of Rosario, which is Messi's hometown that he left for Barcelona as a child.

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Messi lives in France as he currently plays for Paris Saint-Germain, although he owns property in his Argentina home.

Manager of Newell's, former Manchester United right back Gabriel Heinze, was asked about the attack, and said he thinks it rules out the World Cup-winning captain ever returning to play in Argentina.

"I just found out about that," he said. "And yes, that keeps Leo away and any other player who wants to come back."

Fans of Newell's have attempted to support one of their most famous sons, hanging banners at the Marcelo Bielsa Stadium where they play their home games.

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One read: "Leo, you're the heart of a country that loves you. Newell's is with you."

Messi, 35, was in Newell's academy between 1995 and 2000, but never made a professional appearance at such a young age.

He instead departed for Spain, becoming a legend at Barca, later joining PSG before winning the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.

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There has been much speculation about the forward's future after this season, with strong links to MLS side Inter Miami, but a return home to Newell's now looks unlikely.