Violent Robbery Shakes Messi’s Family: A Reflection of Current Injustices in Argentina

Argentina's forward Lionel Messi gestures before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualification football match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 21, 2023. (Photo by Daniel RAMALHO / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL RAMALHO/AFP via Getty Images)
Argentina's forward Lionel Messi gestures before the start of the 2026 FIFA World Cup South American qualification football match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on November 21, 2023. (Photo by Daniel RAMALHO / AFP) (Photo by DANIEL RAMALHO/AFP via Getty Images) /
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In the latest shocking incident that exposed the vulnerability even of the most prominent personalities, Lionel Messi’s wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, revealed on social media that her family was the target of a violent robbery in Argentina. The incident involved Roccuzzo’s cousin, Agustina Scalia, who was confronted by armed men in Rosario while carrying out a routine task, leaving the family’s supermarket to deposit money at a local bank.

The details are alarming: the robbers fled with a significant amount of money, fired shots, and shattered a car window during the criminal act. This act of violence, in addition to directly affecting the Messi family, highlights a broader reality of insecurity that persists in many parts of Argentina.

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Antonela Roccuzzo shared images of the incident along with a reflective message. She expressed gratitude that it was only a scare, implicitly acknowledging the many injustices that occur daily. This courageous act of sharing a personal experience serves as a reminder that even in the most well-known families in the country, no one is immune to the growing wave of violent crime.

RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 21: Lionel Messi of Argentina takes off his captain’s armband as he leaves the pitch in a substitution during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on November 21, 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images)
RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – NOVEMBER 21: Lionel Messi of Argentina takes off his captain’s armband as he leaves the pitch in a substitution during a FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifier match between Brazil and Argentina at Maracana Stadium on November 21, 2023 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Buda Mendes/Getty Images) /

The firsthand account from the colleague who was present during the robbery adds layers of horror to the narrative. Hearing gunshots while the criminals acted underscores the dangerous nature of these situations, which can occur at any time and in any place.

The official response from authorities, as communicated by radio command chief Diego Santamaria, points to violent action by the robbers, who apparently fired as they attempted to escape. The Messi family now faces the need to deal with the emotional and security consequences of this traumatic event.

While Lionel Messi returns to Argentina for professional commitments, the robbery highlights the urgency of addressing the broader issue of public safety in the country. Argentine society, like many others around the world, faces significant challenges in ensuring the safety of its citizens. The episode serves as a call for more decisive actions to protect communities and ensure that everyone can live without constant fear of violence.

Time will tell how the Messi family and Argentine authorities will handle the repercussions of this terrible incident, but one thing is clear: the need for a serious and effective approach to combating crime becomes increasingly pressing in a country where even sports icons are not immune to the horrors of urban violence.