Messi's Boyhood Club Shows Support After Threats

Lionel Messi's boyhood club Newell's Old Boys of Argentina displayed a banner of support for the PSG forward in their stadium following an attack on his wife Antonela Roccuzzo's family business.

On Thursday, a hand-written message was left on the door of the Roccuzzo's supermarket, threatening Messi and accusing Rosario's mayor of being involved in drug trafficking.

Ahead of their home game against Barracas Central in the Argentine league on Saturday, Newell's Old Boys posted a message of support on social media.

"Leo, you are the heart of a country that loves you. Newell's is with you", it reads.

Messi and Roccuzzo are both natives of Rosario and often visit the city on holidays to see their families.

Rosario, located in Santa Fe province, has one of the highest murder rates in Argentina, with gangs linked to drug trafficking coexisting in the city.

Reports suggest that confrontations resulting in injuries and deaths are frequently reported.

The threatening message left on the Roccuzzo's door came after two people on motorcycles shot at their business early on Thursday morning.

Despite the ordeal, Messi was in action for Paris Saint-Germain over the weekend, scoring in their 4-2 win over Nantes in Ligue 1.

The victory saw PSG open up an 11-point lead at the top of the table before their crucial trip to Bayern Munich for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.

PSG trail 1-0 from the first leg in Paris last month.