Lionel Messi Family Grocery Store Shot Up ... Soccer Superstar Threatened

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A grocery store owned by Lionel Messi's in-laws was shot up by two men who fired at least a dozen shots into the shop in Argentina, before sending an ominous threat to the soccer legend ... "Messi, we’re waiting for you."

The Unico supermarket is located in Rosario, Argentina -- about 200 miles from the capital, Buenos Aires -- and is owned by the mom and dad of Lionel's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo. A normal day of shopping for groceries was interrupted Thursday when two assailants pulled up in front of the store on a motorcycle in broad daylight, with one of the men jumping off the bike, and opening fire, according to witnesses.

Miraculously, no one was injured ... though property was damaged, including a shattered front window pane.

Perhaps the scariest part ... after unloading on the store, the men dropped a written note that threatened the 35-year-old World Cup champion.

“Messi, we’re waiting for you. Javkin is also a drug trafficker, so he won’t take care of you.”

Javkin is Rosario Mayor Pablo Javkin.

Shortly after the violent incident, Mayor Javkin went to the scene and criticized Argentina's national police for failing to reign in drug-related crimes.

Local police officials also spoke, and despite the seemingly menacing message, they say this was likely an attempt to "attract attention," as opposed to a threat.

Narco violence has been on the rise in Argentina, and Rosario, specifically, has seen a big jump in drug-related murders. In fact, last year the Buenos Aires Times wrote, "narco violence plaguing the city has reached 'critical' levels."

Despite the scary situation at his family's store, Messi didn't appear to be bothered at Paris Saint-Germaine F.C. practice on Thursday ... where Lionel hit the field with his teammates.

'Honey Boo Boo' BF Arrested For DUI, Police Chase ... While She Was In The Car

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The boyfriend of Alana Thompson -- AKA Honey Boo Boo -- has been arrested for DUI ... following a police chase with Alana riding in the same vehicle.

21-year-old Dralin Carswell was cuffed Tuesday in Monroe County, according to police ... who says 17-year-old Alana was in the car with Dralin when the tags on his Dodge Charger were run by police, which showed the owner of the vehicle had outstanding warrants.

Monroe County Lt. John Thompson says an officer then attempted to do a traffic stop on Dralin, but instead was led on a chase that went about 3 miles -- ending in a pit maneuver, spinning the car out.

Officers say they found marijuana and Dralin was arrested for DUI and fleeing from cops, as well as outstanding warrants out of Wilkinson County. Another passenger, Julian Malik Divon Williams, was also arrested for outstanding warrants.

Alana reportedly wasn't taken into custody, and was later picked up by her sister, Pumpkin. Monroe County Reporter first had the story.

As we reported, Alana and Dralin were going to have a weight-loss procedure together last year ... something Mama June told us she didn't approve of.

Travis Scott Sound Engineer Says He Was Hospitalized ... After Rapper Flipped Him Off And Punched Him

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UPDATE

2:45 PM PT -- A source close to Travis Scott tells TMZ, "As anyone with common sense can see, the video that shows Travis DJ'ing in Nebula proves that the incident was nothing. All it shows that Travis's performance was disrupted by someone aggressively in his personal space. It's a complete and utter joke."

The sound engineer who Travis Scott allegedly attacked in an NYC club says the rapper flipped him the bird and socked him in the head, landing him in the hospital with injuries.

Identifying himself only as Mark, the engineer spoke with Fox 5 News from his hospital bed after the alleged assault at Club Nebula in Manhattan early Wednesday morning.

Mark said he can't turn his head and "My neck is f**ked up. My arm is tingling. I have pins and needles going down it."

He also described the events that led to the violence, saying Travis was playing the DJ music so loud the sound was distorted. When Mark tried to lower the volume, he said Travis flew into a rage.

Travis "stuck his middle finger in my face," Mark said, adding, "So I lowered the monitor a little bit so I could talk to him, and that’s when he ran around the speaker and attacked me."

As we reported ... Travis made a surprise appearance at the club Tuesday night to perform with his protege, Don Toliver.

After Travis had his meltdown in the DJ booth, he purportedly attacked the sound engineer and caused $12,000 in damage to a speaker and video screen, before leaving the club.

The NYPD now wants to question Travis after a police report was filed alleging that he committed assault and criminal mischief.

Travis' lawyer, Mitchell Schuster, told us the incident was "a misunderstanding being blown out of proportion by clickbait and misinformation."

Schuster also said he's working with the venue and law enforcement to resolve the situation and believes Travis will be "cleared of any wrongdoing."

Originally Published -- 5:24 AM PT

Travis Scott Loses His Cool in DJ Booth In Moments Leading Up to Alleged Assault

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1:29 PM PT -- Video from the club shows the alleged damage Travis made to one of the venue's video boards.

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UPDATE

You can see employees pointing out the panels Travis allegedly took his anger out on after getting into a heated spat with someone in the DJ booth.

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12:36 PM PT -- We've obtained several videos showing Travis Scott clearly agitated with someone in the DJ booth -- pushing them in the chest and saying, "Back the f*** up" -- in the minutes before the alleged assault. A witness tells us Travis took over the club's music, and became upset when the volume on his playlist was turned down.

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11:03 AM PT -- Travis' rep, Ted Anastasiou, tells us Travis was at Nebula to do a surprise DJ set ... and they believe the whole thing was overexaggerated for a potential cash grab. He also says Scott and his team are actively working with law enforcement to get the whole thing resolved.

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Travis' attorney, Mitchell Schuster, tells TMZ, "While this is clearly a misunderstanding being blown out of proportion by clickbait and misinformation, we are actively working with the venue and law enforcement to resolve and set the record straight. We are confident our client will be cleared of any wrongdoing.”

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Richie Romero, managing partner of Club Nebula says, "This is blown completely out of proportion. It was a great night.”

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7:44 AM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell us the alleged victim -- a sound engineer at Nebula -- claimed after an altercation, Scott punched him in the left side of the face ... he did not have visible injuries. We're told Travis then caused approximately $12,000 of damage to a speaker and video screen before fleeing.

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Our sources say video surveillance of the incident was not immediately available, but will be accessed in the near future.

Travis Scott is the suspect in a police investigation into an alleged assault at a NYC nightclub ... TMZ has learned.

Law enforcement sources tell us around 3 AM Wednesday the rapper got into it with someone at Nebula, a club on 41st Street. We're told Scott allegedly punched that person and damaged property -- possibly a cell phone.

At this time, cops want to talk to Travis and his reps, but the official report is for an assault and criminal mischief.

As for why he was in town, it appears Don Toliver had a show in NYC Tuesday night, bringing out Travis -- much to the delight of fans.

Travis is set to headline Rolling Loud California in Los Angeles Saturday night ... unclear if that appearance will be impacted at all because of the investigation.

We've reached out to Travis' team ... so far, no word back.

Originally Published -- 6:50 AM PT

Vanessa Bryant Crash Lawsuit Scores Nearly $30M from L.A. County

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Vanessa Bryant just received a heck of a lot more money from L.A. County after her initial $15 million win last year ... another $13 mil or so, in fact, which now accounts for her kids.

Kobe Bryant's widow has settled with L.A. County, amounting to a total of $28.8 million -- this according to her lawyer, who says this resolves both Vanessa's original complaint and subsequent award ... as well as any potential future claims from her surviving daughters.

Unclear when, but it seems Vanessa amended her initial lawsuit to add 20-year-old Natalia, 6-year-old Bianka and 3-year-old Capri. The settlement resolves all claims.

Vanessa's lawyer, Luis Li, says, "Today marks the successful culmination of Mrs. Bryant’s courageous battle to hold accountable those who engaged in this grotesque conduct." He adds, "She fought for her husband, her daughter, and all those in the community whose deceased family were treated with similar disrespect. We hope her victory at trial and this settlement will put an end to this practice."

You'll recall ... Vanessa actually went to trial over this, taking the stand with emotional testimony about how the thought of those photos of Kobe and Gigi's remains possibly being leaked out publicly tortured her -- something a jury agreed with in the end.

They awarded her $16M ... but a mil got knocked down afterward due to a clerical error. Vanessa and her team had previously said she'd be donating the money from this to her Mamba & Mambacita Sports Foundation -- and in light of this, there's more to go around.

Kobe and Gianna were among 9 people who died in the helicopter crash that day.

Ex-U.S. Swim Champ Jamie Cail Dies Suddenly In Virgin Islands ... Police Investigating

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Former U.S. swimming star Jamie Cail died suddenly at 42 years old in the Virgin Islands last week ... and now, authorities say they've launched an investigation into the mysterious circumstances surrounding her death.

According to the United States Virgin Islands Police Department -- Cail, who won a gold medal at the 1997 Pan Pacific Championships, was found unresponsive in St. John by her boyfriend on Feb. 21 just after midnight.

Police say the swimmer's significant other had been out at a local bar but left to check in on her at their home -- and discovered her on the floor.

Cops say the man and one of his friends were able to transport Cail to a local hospital -- where she was administered CPR.

Police, though, say the lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful, and she was pronounced dead at 2:39 AM.

The Criminal Investigation Bureau is now investigating the death -- and officials are urging anyone with information on the case to call authorities.

Cail competed on the national stage throughout the late 1990s ... eventually joining the USC swimming team.

RIP.

Cardi B Doing Community Service With NYPD 'Girl Talk' Appearance

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UPDATE

3:34 PM PT -- Law enforcement sources tell TMZ ... Cardi's been firing on all cylinders when it comes to her community service, apparently having done work at a church, a high school and a couple of notable orgs in and around NYC ... like the Fortune Society and the Samaritan Village. She has a couple days left to complete, and appears on track to getting it all done.

UPDATE

12:32 PM PT -- TMZ has learned that Cardi's appearance at the NYPD Academy wasn't for cops, but for kids ... little girls, to be specific. We're told she showed up for a police mentorship program called Girl Talk, which is most certainly serving the community and fulfilling her pledge.

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Cardi even addressed her work a bit further on Twitter, writing ... "Community service has been the best thing that has happened to me. Almost like a spiritual journey because sometimes I leave these centers in tears .Those people that we leave behind they just need somebody to talk and a lil push and YOU might be able to change their life forever."

Cardi B is getting her 15 days of community service done one by one -- and it looks like part of that load was designated toward NYC cops ... more specifically, their entertainment.

The rapper popped into the NYPD Police Academy in Queens Friday for what seems to be a formal appearance she set up with some higher-ups in the force -- part of which was caught on camera as officers in training cheered her on ... this according to the NY Post.

Unclear how long CB was there or what exactly she did -- other than dance around for a bit, which can be seen on camera -- but it sure sounds like this counted on her IOU for court.

After the appearance, she was talking about how this would, indeed, go toward her court-ordered community service. In one tweet, she wrote ... "My brains are burning from waking up early ,community service then studio….but I did the crime 'I only have myself to blame.'"

Of course, she certainly seems to be joking here ... considering real community service is often labor-intensive and out by the side of a freeway somewhere. In this case, it appears she just showed up to the Academy for a little face time with cadets and called it a day.

If this is how she's able to check the 15-day requirement ... ya gotta figure she'll be in for a relatively easy path forward -- and frankly, good for her for figuring out a way to skip picking up trash or scrubbing graffiti. Showing up and/or "performing" beats the hell outta any of that.

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ELEGANT ENTRANCE

You'll recall ... Cardi actually missed her OG deadline to have her service done  back in January -- but was given an extension to finish by March 1, which is around the corner.

This all ties back to a strip club beatdown case she was charged in a while back, for which she copped a plea deal ... receiving 15 days of community service as part of her sentence.

Almost near the finish line ... just a few more in-person visits to go! 😅

Originally Published -- 11:27 AM PT

Billie Eilish Granted Temporary Restraining Order... Against Half-Naked House Loiterer

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Good news for Billie Eilish ... a judge granted the singer's temporary restraining order against a shirtless man whom she caught lurking outside her Los Angeles home.

In legal docs, obtained by TMZ, the judge ordered Raymond Black to stay at least 100 yards away from Billie and her house ... and, more importantly, stop HARASSING her!!

The documents say Black must also avoid going to the home of Billie's parents, Maggie and Patrick.

The judge specified that the order was based on "a credible threat of violence or stalking."

As we first reported, Billie returned to her home Monday night only to find Black standing shirtless outside her living room window when she flipped on the lights. Even scarier, Black was gazing directly at Billie through the glass.

Totally freaked out, Billie called 911. Cops responded and searched the area for Black, arresting him nearby.

Billie says she reviewed her home security footage from earlier in the day ... the video allegedly showed Black walking around her property, taking off his clothes and even using her outdoor shower.

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SCARY SITUATION

Not only that ... Billie says Black loitered around her property while it was under construction last year and has shown up at her parent's home looking for her.

This isn't Billie's first rodeo with an unwanted visitor. You may recall ... she recently got a 5-year restraining order against another man who allegedly broke into her family home last month.

Cookie Monster Chaos Man Named Adam Sandler Harasses Community Dressed as Popular Character!!!

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The Santa Cruz Police Dept. has put a warning out for citizens in the area -- beware of Adam Sandler -- but it ain't the actor, it's some dude with the same name dressed in a creepy costume.

In a release Wednesday, the SCPD said Adam -- who has no relation to the actor -- has been wearing the furry blue costume around the area's beach and wharf locations, with reports coming in saying he's been making uncomfortable comments and acting out.

While cops say Sandler hasn't committed any crimes, he does have a "history of unpredictable vulgar comments and troublesome behavior." The department's asking people to steer clear of him, and contact authorities if anything inappropriate is witnessed.

Santa Cruz PD makes it a point to say Sandler isn't employed by the city in any way.

This isn't the first time Adam's harassed people in character -- getting arrested back in 2012 while going on an antisemitic rant dressed as Elmo in Times Square, pleading guilty to disorderly conduct.

Someone should send not-so-Happy Gilmore back to Sesame Street.

Jeff Hardy DUI Case Closed ... License Reportedly Suspended 10 Yrs

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Jeff Hardy is putting his most recent legal problem behind him -- the wrestling star's June DUI case in Florida was officially closed on Thursday, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

According to the Volusia County court records, Hardy submitted a written no contest plea ... meaning he accepted a conviction and punishment for the crime, but didn't admit guilt.

Hardy was sentenced to 38 days in jail ... but was given a 38-day credit for time already served, and had his license suspended for 10 years, according to Wrestling Observer.

The outlet says Hardy was sentenced to two years probation, court-mandated DUI school or drug rehab program, and community service, and he has to pay $4,586 in fines and court fees.

Hardy -- who was suspended by All Elite Wrestling (AEW) a day after he was arrested for his third DUI -- will also have to wear an interlock device for two years.

Jeff -- who starred for WWE and TNA before joining AEW -- was arrested last June after officers from the Florida Highway Patrol found that he was driving under the influence.

FWP officers administered two tests to Hardy and claim he blew a .291 and .294, well above the legal limit (.08) permitted in Florida, and even had to pull out their service weapons during the stop.

Thankfully, no one was injured, and Hardy was booked without incident. The 45-year-old still remains suspended by AEW -- and there's no word on when he'll return.

Alleged Florida Triple Murderer Dramatic Body Cam Arrest Footage ... 'Get On Your F***ing Face!!'

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MURDERER TAKEDOWN

The Florida man accused of fatally shooting three people -- including a 9-year-old girl and a news reporter-- screamed "They're killing me!" as the police took him to the ground and disarmed him.

Check out this dramatic body cam video, released by the Orange County Sheriff's Office, showing cops driving up to Keith Melvin Moses in Orlando on Wednesday and jumping out with their guns pointed at the alleged killer.

One cop yelled, "Get on your f***king face!" Another officer shrieked, "Get on the f***king ground!"

One of the cops shoved Moses, knocking him to the ground. The cop then straddled his chest and tried to restrain him. Moses started screaming, "They're killing me" and "Let me go!"

The cops turned him over onto his chest and cuffed his hands behind his back. Moses started complaining that he couldn't breathe while the cops suggested that he could be on drugs.

An eagle-eyed deputy noticed Moses had a "zero" in his leg pocket, meaning a weapon.

Another officer asked for his knife and cut open Moses' pant leg, revealing the alleged handgun used in the shootings. You could hear the officer say the gun "is still hot."

Police say Moses embarked on his shooting rampage Wednesday morning when he murdered a woman inside a vehicle and then fled.

Spectrum News 13 reporter Dylan Lyons and his photographer showed up at the scene to cover the slaying.

At some point, Moses allegedly returned to the scene and shot the journalists, killing Lyons and critically wounding his photog.

Cops say Moses then slipped inside a home nearby and shot a mother and her 9-year-old daughter. The mother was critically injured. Her daughter died.

Investigators initially said Moses knew the first victim, but a witness later contradicted that statement, saying there was no connection. Moses also had no link to the other victims.

Moses has been charged with murder ... additional charges are pending. Police have not disclosed a motive.

Jim Harbaugh Helps Police Move Fallen Tree ... During Michigan Ice Storm

Published

Jim Harbaugh is already a beloved figure in Michigan ... but the Wolverines' head football coach just earned even more respect in the community after assisting a police officer with clearing the road during Wednesday's ice storm in Ann Arbor.

Harbaugh played good samaritan when he encountered a member of Ann Arbor's police force who was having difficulty moving a large tree that'd fallen in the middle of the road due to the inclement weather. Coach decided to lend the officer a helping hand.

The PD said while their officer was surprised to see it was the head coach/ex-NFL QB and coach who was helping, the officer gave Jim a pair of work gloves and the two of them got to work together!

Ann Arbor police tweeted about the incident Thursday, saying it took Harbaugh and Ofc. Cooper about ten minutes to clear the tree from the roadway, allowing traffic to finally pass through.

"We thank Coach Harbaugh for being a valued member of the Ann Arbor community and helping out Ofc Cooper," the department said.

The police department also shared the officer's body-worn camera footage where you hear Harbaugh introduce himself to the officer after they finished clearing the tree ... and the cop says, "you're a good man."

"Hey, feel free to spread the word on that," Harbaugh joked.

Of course, Harbaugh has been a presence since arriving in Ann Arbor both on and off the field ... but moments like these are what endear him to Michigan fans.

Alex Murdaugh 'I Didn't Shoot My Wife Or My Son' ... Emotional Testimony In Murder Trial

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Alex Murdaugh, who has been charged with the double murder of his wife and son, took the stand and denied shooting his late family members to death.

The disgraced powerhouse attorney testified in his own defense Thursday in a South Carolina courtroom, fielding questions from his defense lawyers, denying he killed his son Paul, adding he didn't shoot his wife, Maggie either.

Murdaugh told the jury ... "I didn't shoot my wife or my son anytime ever."

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"I COULD SEE HIS BRAINS ..."

He became very emotional as he described finding his son and wife dead.

While Murdaugh denied pulling the trigger in the fatal June 2021 shootings, he admitted to lying to authorities about the case.

Murdaugh apologized to the rest of his family, many of whom were in the courtroom... saying he would "never intentionally do anything to hurt" his wife or son Paul, who he referred to as "Paw Paw."

Maggie and 22-year-old Paul were found dead at the Murdaugh's hunting property in June 2021 after they were shot with what investigators believe are two different guns. Murdaugh told police he discovered their bodies after the fact, claiming he had an alibi.

Murdaugh was a person of interest for a while, but it took over a year for him to be charged with murder.

A couple months after his wife and son were found dead, Murdaugh allegedly hired a gunman to kill him so his surviving son, Buster, could collect a $10 million life insurance policy. But Murdaugh survived a gunshot wound to the head and was arrested and charged for the alleged scheme.

Murdaugh pleaded not guilty to all the charges against him ... and his defense has been arguing there's no physical evidence tying him to the deadly shootings.

UGA LB Jamon Dumas-Johnson Arrested For Racing Car Cops Say Drove Recklessly At 'High Speeds'

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Univ. of Georgia linebacker Jamon Dumas-Johnson, who won back-to-back national titles with the program, was arrested and booked on multiple charges Wednesday.

According to Athens-Clarke County booking records, Dumas-Johnson was taken into police custody Thursday night on charges of reckless driving and racing on highways/streets.

The alleged race happened on January 10, when a UGA police officer said he witnessed "two newer model Dodge Charges" next to each other at a red light. When the light turned green, the cars "spun their tires and began racing" at a "high rate of speed." The cop said he turned on his lights and gunned it to 75 MPH, but his car was just too slow. The police officer lost both cars.

However, the police investigated and eventually got a judge to sign off on a warrant for Dumas-Johnson's arrest on February 21.

Police say they attempted to reach Dumas-Johnson by phone, but were unsuccessful. They left him a voicemail informing Jamon there was a warrant for his arrest and directed him to turn himself into the county jail.

Jamon, listed at 6'1", 250 lbs., was booked at 6:34 PM on Thursday and released less than an hour later by UGA Police.

Dumas-Johnson -- a sophomore at the University of Georgia -- recorded 70 total tackles and had four sacks for the Bulldogs this season to go along with three pass deflections.

Actor Ray Buffer Charged for Stolen Comics ... Store Owner Wants Justice (League)

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Actor Ray Buffer is officially going up against prosecutors for his comic book theft debacle ... which includes surveillance video of him allegedly swiping merch.

A rep for the San Diego City Attorney tells TMZ ... Ray's been charged with one count of misdemeanor petty theft over the October 2022 incident. We're told the actor pled not guilty at his arraignment in January, and a further court hearing is scheduled next week.

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COMIC BOOK BANDIT

As we reported, Southern California Comics claims Ray took $600 worth of comic books, and handed cops security cam footage of the whole caper.

Another comic shop -- this one in L.A. County -- said it had similar footage from their store of Ray attempting to swipe comics. That owner was seen on camera booting him out of the store over it.

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Metropolis Comics

The owner of Southern California Comics tells TMZ … he was told by the City Attorney's office that Ray's lawyer is attempting to cut a deal to handle the matter by paying restitution to the shop and entering a diversion program -- but the shop owner doesn't think such a slap on the wrist is enough.

Ray has more than 100 acting credits to his name, appearing in TV shows like "ER" and "Curb Your Enthusiasm," and most recently "Into the Wild Frontier".

We reached out to Ray for comment ... so far no word back.

With great alleged thefts comes great responsibility.

LAFC Star Kellyn Acosta Rolexes Stolen In Home Burglary ... Cops Say

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LAFC star Kellyn Acosta's home was broken into last week ... and three of his pricey watches were taken in the burglary -- this according to law enforcement sources.

Cops tell TMZ Sports ... the incident happened at Acosta's Los Angeles-area home after thieves made their way into the residence through a door and allegedly rummaged through the house, before making off with three of the 27-year-old soccer player's Rolexes.

As of now, our sources say the watches appear to be the only thing taken.

No arrests have been made ... but we're told police are not ruling out the possibility that it was an inside job. An investigation remains ongoing.

Acosta, who initially began his MLS career with FC Dallas, joined LAFC last season -- and started 28 games ... scoring two goals.

Acosta was also part of the 2022 U.S. World Cup team that advanced to the Round of 16.

We've reached out to the footballer for comment, but so far, no word back yet.