Gunman targeting a supermarket owned by Lionel Messi’s parents-in-law left a threatening written message for the Argentina football star, police say.
Attackers opened fire at the store, which is owned by Messi’s wife’s family, but no one was injured in the incident in Rosario.
It is unclear why the gunmen targeted 35-year-old Messi, or the supermarket.
Police said two men on a motorcycle fired at least a dozen shots into the shop early on Thursday and left a message on a piece of cardboard that said: “Messi, we’re waiting for you.”
The message went on: “Javkin is also a drug trafficker, so he won’t take care of you.”
Rosario mayor Pablo Javkin said federal officials had failed to prevent a surge in drug-related violence in the country’s third biggest city, around 190 miles northwest of the capital Buenos Aires.
Messi, the Argentina captain, has not commented on the menacing message.
The footballer, often referred to as the GOAT (greatest of all time), plays for French side Paris Saint-Germain, and spends most of his time abroad – but has a home in Rosario.
Mr Javkin is a left of centre politician, and appeared to suggest both criminal gangs and federal security officials were complicit over the attack.
“I doubt everyone, even those who are supposed to protect us,” he said in an interview with a local radio station.
Mr Javkin also said he had “very strong discussions” with security forces over the past couple of weeks demanding they tackle the city’s crime.
“Where are the ones who need to take care of us?” he said.
“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.”
Prosecutor Federico Rebola said authorities were reviewing CCTV footage and that the investigation was “preliminary”.
It was the first time that Messi’s parents-in-law had received such a threat, he added.
Earlier this week, he was named best men’s player at the Best FIFA awards in Paris.
Last December in Qatar, he led Argentina to the team’s first World Cup victory in 36 years.
