Argentina captain Lionel Messi was reportedly the target of multiple bomb threats during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, according to Spanish newspaper MARCA.
According to a police report provided by the publication, security authorities investigated many alleged threats against Argentina’s captain, including one made shortly before the team’s Round of 16 match against Egypt.
One suspect allegedly posted a threat on social media, saying, “I’m going to blow up Messi with four bombs strapped to my body.”
After receiving independent information that explosives had been put in containers throughout the Atlanta stadium, security authorities searched the arena with sniffer dogs.
However, the search apparently turned up no explosives, and officials ultimately decided that the signal was a false alarm.
Another threat allegedly arose prior to Argentina’s group round match against Jordan.
According to the allegation, a man called Dallas airport and reported that he and two accomplices were on their way to the stadium with homemade bombs and an AR-15 weapon, expressly targeting Messi.
According to MARCA, Messi received the most threats of any player during the competition.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was also targeted, with numerous people detained for various threats against him during the campaign.
The report also stated that the FBI and other international law enforcement agencies collaborated throughout the World Cup to monitor and respond to threats involving high-profile players.
