Police report reveals alleged threats against Lionel Messi during World Cup
Security Concerns at the World Cup
A leaked police dossier has brought to light the extensive security threats that reportedly surrounded the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. These threats included alleged terror plots and death threats targeting prominent players and match officials throughout the tournament. According to a report by The Sun, citing Spanish outlet Informacion.es, Argentina captain Lionel Messi was reportedly at the centre of several serious threats.
One incident occurred before Argentina’s group-stage match against Jordan. A man allegedly contacted Dallas Airport, threatening to storm the stadium with two accomplices. These individuals were reportedly armed with hand grenades and a rifle. The caller allegedly vowed to attack police officers and players from both teams, specifically issuing a death threat against Messi.
Another alleged threat emerged prior to Argentina’s match against Egypt. A suspect reportedly posted on X, stating an intention to enter Atlanta Stadium wearing explosives to target Messi. The post allegedly read, “I’m going to walk into the Atlanta stadium and blow up Messi with four bombs stuck to my body.” This post was later reportedly deleted, and authorities investigated the matter. During the same match, police received a separate warning claiming three bombs had been planted inside rubbish bins within the stadium stands. This alert prompted an extensive search involving bomb disposal experts and sniffer dogs, though no explosives were ultimately reported to have been found.
Threats Against Other Key Figures
Cristiano Ronaldo was also reportedly a subject of security concerns during the tournament. According to the leaked file, a FIFA employee reported a suspicious individual who had asked for information regarding the Portuguese superstar’s accommodation. In a separate incident, a fan allegedly entered Ronaldo’s hotel and attempted to join him in a lift, later telling police he only wanted to take a selfie.
Match officials also faced significant abuse. French referee François Letexier reportedly received more than 6,000 threatening WhatsApp messages following his decisions during the Argentina-Egypt match. Similarly, video assistant referee Willy Delajod was subjected to death threats from angry Egyptian supporters. Authorities reportedly provided extra protection for Letexier’s home and family in France.
Players who missed crucial opportunities were also targeted. Norway striker Alexander Sorloth and his wife reportedly received death threats after he opted not to pass to Erling Haaland during their team’s quarter-final defeat to England. Colombia winger Jhon Jáminton Campaz also faced death threats after missing a penalty and was reportedly unable to travel back with the national team due to security concerns. The dossier reportedly indicated that players and police officers were among the potential targets.
Investigation and Security Measures
The police report, reviewed by Marca, detailed the security threats faced by both the FBI and the IPCC during the World Cup, which was won by Spain. The report indicated that Messi received more death threats than any other footballer during the tournament. One man was said to have threatened to storm the stadium during the group-stage match between Jordan and Argentina with two others, armed with homemade bombs and an AR-15 rifle. In that phone call, Messi was specifically named as a target, with the intention reportedly to murder the Argentine superstar.
Ahead of the match between Argentina and Egypt, investigators reportedly found worrying messages online, including the social media post about blowing up Messi with bombs. During the same match, officials carried out a search for bombs inside the stadium, reportedly hidden in certain bins. After a thorough search with sniffer dogs, it was ultimately determined to be a false alarm.
Several individuals were also arrested for threatening Cristiano Ronaldo. FIFA reportedly alerted the FBI after a suspicious man repeatedly sought details about Ronaldo’s whereabouts, leading to his arrest. Two days later, Houston police tracked down the same man and arrested him at the hotel where the Portugal team was staying. In Toronto, another person was arrested in a similar incident after attempting to enter a lift with Ronaldo, claiming he only wanted a selfie.
The reported threats were investigated as part of a wider security operation involving US authorities and international agencies.
Source: goal.com
