ISIS supporters release chilling Lionel Messi image threatening FIFA World Cup 2018

The ISIS has released images threatening the FIFA World Cup 2018 to be held in Russia. (Source: Site Intelligence Group)

Supporters of the terrorist group Islamic State has allegedly started targetting 2018 FIFA World Cup to be held in Russia. According to Site Intelligence Group, sympathizers of the Islamic State have been putting out posts threatening the event repeatedly, the most glaring of which is a doctored image of Barcelona and Argentina star Lionel Messi. The image shows Messi standing behind bars with blood coming out of his eyes. Needless to say, the image is a doctored one and is only one of the many images of Messi available online.

Pro-#ISIS media unit Wafa’ Foundation continues to threaten 2018 FIFA #WorldCup, this time using an image of #LionelMessi in a prison outfit pic.twitter.com/isB8RDKYAK

— SITE Intel Group (@siteintelgroup) 24 October 2017

Site Intelligence Group is a USA-based website that tracks activities of white supremacist and jihadist groups. The site’s director tweeted images that have been allegedly put out by IS supporters. The Messi image also includes ‘Just Terrorism’ and the tagline ‘You are fighting a state that does not have failure in it’s dictionary. (sic.)’ Another image shows a Russian Jihadist standing beside the logo of the World Cup. Russian Jihadists have a stronghold in Chechnya, a federal subject of Russia.

#FIFA18 a recurring topic among #ISIS supporters, w chatter & graphics threatening “enemies of Allah in #Russia“http://t.co/MfmbizGUyg pic.twitter.com/CqoEROGfjB

— Rita Katz (@Rita_Katz) 24 October 2017

In August, the Russian tourism office in London had opened an information centre with the aim of providing information to British fans planning to travel to the country for the tournament. Deputy Chief of the Visit Russia office Aleksey Cherepanov had said that the office had been opened for clearing any doubts over security that the fans may have had. “We want the British people to see that all the doors are open for them,” Cherepanov said, “They can call in to ask any question any time. This what we are here for, to dispel their doubts about security matters and nuances of the trip.”