Islamic State (IS) has issued another threat ahead of the 2018 World Cup, with a photoshopped poster of star footballers Lionel Messi and Neymar being executed.
Both Messi and Neymar are expected to compete at the 2018 World Cup, which Russia will host next summer.
The threat comes days after IS, a terror group banned in Russia, published a poster of Argentinian footballer Messi behind bars crying bloody tears, and an image of an IS fighter and a bomb in front of the Volgograd Arena with the words, “wait for us.”
The new poster features former teammates Messi and Brazilian star Neymar as victims of an IS execution, Sports Illustrated reported Monday. Messi is lying on the ground with his throat slit next to an IS flag, while a kneeling Neymar screams in anticipation of his own execution as an ISIS fighter towers over him.
A caption below reads, “You will not enjoy security until we live it in Muslim countries.”
The image, similar to the earlier poster of Messi, was made by a pro-IS media organization.
A Message from The Moscow Times:
Dear readers,
We are facing unprecedented challenges. Russia's Prosecutor General's Office has designated The Moscow Times as an "undesirable" organization, criminalizing our work and putting our staff at risk of prosecution. This follows our earlier unjust labeling as a "foreign agent."
These actions are direct attempts to silence independent journalism in Russia. The authorities claim our work "discredits the decisions of the Russian leadership." We see things differently: we strive to provide accurate, unbiased reporting on Russia.
We, the journalists of The Moscow Times, refuse to be silenced. But to continue our work, we need your help.
Your support, no matter how small, makes a world of difference. If you can, please support us monthly starting from just $2. It's quick to set up, and every contribution makes a significant impact.
By supporting The Moscow Times, you're defending open, independent journalism in the face of repression. Thank you for standing with us.
Remind me later.
