Americas News

Messi's brother's home shot at in Argentina

Apr 11, 2011, 14:15 GMT

Buenos Aires - The home of a brother of Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi in the Argentine city of Rosario was shot at by unknown attackers, police said Monday.

The home of Matias Messi, 28, where the Barcelona striker's mother was apparently staying at the time of the incident late Saturday, was hit by at least six bullets, Argentine state news agency Telam reported. Adjoining houses were also shot.

Rosario, 300 kilometres north of Buenos Aires, is Messi's home town.

According to media reports, the attackers were travelling on a motorcycle through the humble neighbourhood in southern Rosario, where acts of violence are not uncommon.

The motive of the attack was not immediately known. Matias Messi was already involved in a confusing incident in 2008, when a complaint was filed against him for carrying firearms without a permit.

Neighbours insist, however, that they have had no problems with the family.

Read more about Football Argentina

Read more about Messi