A police report has reportedly uncovered multiple threats against Argentina captain Lionel Messi during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, according to Spanish newspaper MARCA.
The report, cited by the publication on Saturday, indicated that Messi was the target of several security threats during the tournament, including alleged plans to attack venues where the Argentine star was scheduled to play.
One of the most serious threats reportedly emerged before Argentina’s Round of 16 match against Egypt, when a suspect allegedly posted a message threatening to attack Messi with explosives.
According to MARCA, the threat prompted authorities to conduct a comprehensive security sweep of the Atlanta stadium, including the deployment of sniffer dogs, after investigators received separate information about possible explosives being concealed around the venue.
The search reportedly found no explosives, and authorities later determined that the alert was a false alarm.
Another threat allegedly emerged ahead of Argentina’s group-stage match against Jordan.
The publication reported that a man contacted Dallas airport authorities and claimed that he and two accomplices were travelling to the stadium with homemade explosives and a rifle, while specifically identifying Messi as their target.
Security agencies subsequently investigated the threat as part of heightened measures surrounding Argentina’s matches.
The report also said Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was the subject of separate threats during the tournament, with several people reportedly arrested in connection with threats against him.
According to MARCA, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and international law enforcement agencies worked together throughout the tournament to monitor and respond to threats involving high-profile players.
The reported incidents highlighted the extensive security measures deployed around some of football’s biggest stars during the 2026 World Cup.
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