Lionel Messi was reportedly the target of multiple serious security threats during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including an alleged suicide-bomb threat ahead of Argentina’s round-of-16 match against Egypt.
Spanish newspaper MARCA reported that a police dossier has revealed details of security incidents handled by United States authorities and the International Police Cooperation Center during the tournament.
According to the report, Messi attracted more threats than any other player at the World Cup, with security agencies forced to investigate several warnings involving the Argentina captain.
One of the most serious incidents allegedly occurred before Argentina’s group-stage match against Jordan.
A man reportedly called Dallas airport and claimed that he and two accomplices would storm the stadium carrying homemade bombs and an AR-15 rifle.
Messi was allegedly named specifically as a target, while the caller also threatened police officers and players from both teams.
The threats were repeated before Argentina’s knockout clash with Egypt.
According to the report, one suspect posted a chilling message on social media claiming he intended to enter Atlanta Stadium and detonate four bombs strapped to his body in an attempt to kill Messi.
The threat triggered a major security response.
Authorities also received a separate report claiming that three bombs had been hidden inside rubbish bins around the stadium. Security personnel searched the venue with explosive-detection dogs, but no explosives were discovered and the alert was eventually declared a false alarm.
The incidents shed fresh light on the scale of the security operation deployed during the 2026 World Cup, which was hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The FBI established the International Police Cooperation Center in Virginia to coordinate intelligence and security operations involving law enforcement agencies from participating countries. Officers and intelligence specialists from 46 countries were involved in the international security network.
The FBI later disclosed that almost 4,000 field personnel and about 800 headquarters and liaison personnel were deployed as part of its World Cup operation. The bureau also said its officers investigated hoax bomb threats and other criminal reports during the tournament.
Messi was not the only football superstar reportedly caught up in security concerns.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo also faced separate incidents, including an individual who allegedly attempted to obtain information about his accommodation and another person who tried to approach him in an elevator.
Security concerns also extended to match officials. French referee François Letexier reportedly received thousands of threatening messages following Argentina’s controversial victory over Egypt.
Despite the reported threats, no attack was carried out against Messi or the Argentina team.
The revelations underline the security pressures surrounding one of the biggest sporting events in the world, with millions of spectators attending matches across three countries.
The FBI said more than 6.5 million spectators attended the tournament, making the security operation one of its largest ever for an international sporting event.
