Lionel Messi was targeted by multiple credible death threats throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including alleged assassination plots and bomb threats, according to a leaked U.S. police report reviewed by Spanish sports outlet Marca. Law enforcement investigated all threats, but no attacks were carried out and the tournament concluded without incident.
According to the police dossier, Messi received more death threats than any other player during the tournament, which took place across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The documented threats included specific assassination plots naming Messi as a target and multiple bomb threats targeting stadiums where he was scheduled to play.
Threats Before Argentina-Jordan Match
Before Argentina's group-stage match against Jordan, a man reportedly called Dallas airport and threatened to storm the stadium with two accomplices armed with homemade explosives and an AR-15 rifle. In the call, the suspect specifically named Messi as a target and threatened to murder the Argentine captain.
Threats Before Argentina-Egypt Match
Before Argentina's match against Egypt, more serious threats emerged. One suspect allegedly posted on social media platform X: "I'm going to walk into the Atlanta stadium and blow up Messi with four bombs stuck to my body."
In the same timeframe, police received a separate bomb threat claiming that three explosive devices had been planted inside rubbish bins within the stadium stands. The warning triggered an extensive security response involving bomb disposal experts and explosive-detection dogs. A thorough search was conducted, but no explosives were ultimately found.
Scale of Investigation
The leaked police report documented the full scope of security threats faced by U.S. law enforcement, the FBI, and international security coordination during the tournament. Messi's case stood out for both the frequency and severity of threats directed at a single individual.
The threats documented in the police report represent a significant security challenge for major international sporting events. Security experts had warned before the tournament that its massive scale—104 matches spread across 16 host cities over 39 days—and crowded fan areas could make the World Cup an attractive target for lone actors and extremist groups.
Tournament Conclusion
The World Cup concluded without security incidents related to the documented threats against Messi. Argentina reached the final but fell to Spain 1-0 in the championship match. The tournament's final matches proceeded under heightened security protocols informed by the threats documented throughout the competition.
Broader Security Context
Security analysts have noted that major sporting events present particular vulnerabilities due to the concentration of crowds, the difficulty of securing all perimeter areas, and the high-profile nature of participating athletes. The 2026 World Cup represented one of the largest sporting events in recent years, complicating security operations substantially.
Messi was not the only high-profile figure facing security concerns. Cristiano Ronaldo was also subject to documented security concerns during the tournament, according to the police report.
