- Messi Received Most Death Threats During 2026 World Cup, Report Says
- Police investigated multiple threats targeting Messi before Argentina’s matches.
- Ronaldo and referees also faced security threats during the tournament.
Lionel Messi was the footballer who received the most death threats during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a newly released United States police report reviewed by Spanish newspaper Marca.
The report detailed several security threats handled by the FBI and international law enforcement agencies during the seven week tournament, with incidents involving players, referees and stadiums.
EDITOR’S PICKS
- Olodo Uprising: Sanwo-Olu Advises Youths to Embrace Knowledge, Curiosity
- BBN Season 11 Kicks Off with Unveiling of 24 Housemates Competing for ₦160m Grand Prize
- Why Africa Must Stop Exporting Raw Materials, Lessons From Benin for Nigeria
EKO HOT BLOG reports that one of the most serious threats was recorded before Argentina’s group stage match against Jordan.
According to the report, a man contacted Dallas airport and claimed that he and two others planned to storm the stadium with homemade bombs and an AR 15 rifle.
Messi was reportedly identified as the intended target of the attack.
Further threats emerged before Argentina’s last 16 match against Egypt.
One suspect allegedly posted on social media, “I’m going to enter Atlanta Stadium and I’m going to blow up Messi with four bombs stuck in my body.”
Police also received a separate report claiming that three bombs had been hidden in bins around the stadium.
Authorities responded by conducting searches with explosive detection dogs but found no explosives. The bomb threat was later determined to be a hoax.
Messi was not the only high profile footballer involved in security incidents during the tournament.
FIFA alerted the FBI after a suspicious man repeatedly sought information about Cristiano Ronaldo’s whereabouts.
Houston police later arrested the man at the hotel where the Portugal team was staying.
Two days later, another individual was arrested in Toronto after reportedly attempting to enter a lift with Ronaldo.
According to the report, the individual told officers that he only wanted to take a photograph with the Portugal captain.
Referees also faced serious threats during the tournament.
French referee François Letexier reportedly received more than 6,000 hateful messages on WhatsApp following the controversial Argentina Egypt fixture.
VAR official Willy Delajod was also subjected to online abuse following the match.
Authorities subsequently increased security around the homes and families of both officials in France.
The incidents highlighted the security challenges faced by players and match officials during the seven week World Cup, with international law enforcement agencies responding to multiple threats involving some of the tournament’s biggest names.
