Both Messi and Di Maria have recently received death threats from criminals.
Last week, Angel Di Maria expressed his desire to return to his hometown of Rosario to play for his former club, Rosario Central. However, this aspiration is not feasible as the hometowns of both Di Maria and Lionel Messi are no longer safe havens.
Following Di Maria’s statement, on Monday morning, a vehicle passed by Di Maria’s family home, leaving behind a threatening letter. The letter warned Di Maria’s parents that if he were to return to Rosario, not even the city authorities could ensure his and his family’s safety.
“Tell your son Angel not to return to Rosario. Otherwise, we will kill a member of your family, and even Pullaro (province governor Maximiliano Pullaro) won’t be able to save you. We don’t leave documents, we leave corpses and bullets.”
City police immediately deployed security for Di Maria’s family. This case is not unfamiliar to them, as last year a supermarket owned by Antonela Roccuzzo, Lionel Messi’s wife, was attacked by unknown gunmen.
Rosario has witnessed an escalation of violence in recent years. Once known as a gateway for Argentina’s agricultural exports, the city has now become a drug distribution hub for gangs. Numerous crimes related to drug trafficking have occurred, with perpetrators specifically targeting celebrities to instill fear among the public and local authorities.
Both Messi and Di Maria had hoped to return to play for their hometown clubs, Newell’s Old Boys and Rosario Central, from their youth. However, their return at this time is highly risky. Earlier this month, gunfire erupted outside Messi’s parents’ home, with 14 bullets fired at the gate, accompanied by a threatening letter warning Messi that Mayor Pablo Javkin would not be able to protect him.