Messi's girlfriend's parents tied up and robbed in gang raid by masked robbers

Argentina football team captain Lionel Messi's girlfriend's parents were tied up and robbed in a raid by a gang of armed masked robbers at their luxury home.

Antonella Roccuzzo's terrified parents were handcuffed after seven men burst into the gated home in Argentina.

Police said that the raiders overpowered private guards on Friday morning. The gang, who broke into three homes in less than an hour, stole cash and valuables from the home, which is located in Santa Fe, The Mirror reported.

The alarm was eventually raised when an occupant of one of the raided homes managed to break free and escape.

Police are reportedly of the opinion that the robbers, who managed to get through a fence surrounded the complex, had inside information before carrying out the terrifying raid.

Barcelona star Messi has a son called Thiago with Roccuzzo, who he is thought to have been dating since about 2009, the report added.