Flamengo goalkeeper Agustín Rossi has been in the spotlight recently, not just for his skills on the field but also for a harrowing incident that occurred after a match. Following a Copa Libertadores game against Central Córdoba, Rossi found himself in a terrifying situation when his car was shot at four times while he was on the Linha Amarela highway in Rio de Janeiro. Fortunately, Rossi emerged unscathed from the ordeal, but the event has raised questions about player safety and security protocols.
The incident took place early on Thursday, May 8, 2025, around 5:30 AM, as the Flamengo team was returning home after the match. Rossi's armored vehicle was specifically targeted by assailants who attempted a robbery. The police confirmed that two vehicles were stolen in the vicinity, and they are currently investigating the incident. According to reports from the police, the attackers fired four shots at Rossi's car, hitting the glass, mirror, door, and tire rim. Thankfully, no players or staff were injured, and all returned safely to their homes.
In the wake of this frightening experience, Rossi took to social media to express his relief and gratitude. "Today, I was a victim of the lack of security that plagues the state of Rio de Janeiro. Despite the fright my family and I experienced, we are well and recovering from the incident. I appreciate all the messages of care and concern," he stated. His comments highlight not only his personal experience but also the broader issue of safety in the region.
Despite the traumatic event, there is good news for Flamengo fans. The club is reportedly working on a contract renewal for Rossi, who has been a key player since joining Flamengo in 2023 after leaving Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia. The club plans to increase his salary as part of the negotiations, which are said to be progressing without urgency since Rossi's current contract runs until December 2027.
Rossi has been a standout performer for Flamengo, participating in 20 of the club's 28 games this season and conceding only 10 goals. His contributions have been significant, helping the team secure four titles, including two Campeonato Carioca championships in 2024 and 2025, a Copa Betano do Brasil in 2024, and a Supercopa Rei in 2025.
On Friday, May 9, 2025, a day after the shooting incident, Rossi received a tribute from Flamengo for reaching the milestone of 100 matches with the club. The football director, José Boto, presented him with a framed shirt commemorating the occasion. Rossi expressed his happiness about this achievement, saying, "I am very happy not only for reaching the mark of 100 games but as I mentioned when I arrived, for making my history. I managed to break the record for the most minutes without conceding a goal in the club's history, and today I reached 100 games. I am truly happy about that and will try to continue this little story I am building here."
Rossi's commitment to the club is evident, and he has made it clear that he wishes to continue his career in Brazil, even as he harbors ambitions of playing in Europe. While he did not request to leave Flamengo following the robbery, he acknowledged that a compelling offer from a European club could influence his decision in the future.
The Flamengo organization has responded to the incident by announcing a review of their security protocols for player arrivals. In a statement, the club confirmed that they would re-evaluate the measures in place to ensure the safety of their players during late-night arrivals. This review comes in light of the recent events and the ongoing concerns about player safety in Rio de Janeiro.
As Flamengo prepares for their next match against Bahia, Rossi's focus remains on the game. He has expressed his gratitude for the support from fans and emphasized the importance of their backing as he continues to contribute to the team's success. Rossi stated, "I am very happy in Brazil, in Rio, at Flamengo, and I hope it will be like this for a long time."
In conclusion, while the incident has cast a shadow over the recent achievements of Flamengo and its players, it has also sparked important conversations about safety and security in sports. As Rossi continues to shine on the field, the club and its fans will be watching closely to see how this situation unfolds and what steps are taken to protect their beloved athletes.
