Messi was target of bomb threats at 2026 World Cup, leaked report reveals

Argentine football star Lionel Messi was reportedly among the main targets of serious security threats during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a leaked police dossier.

The dossier, reviewed by Spanish publication Informacion.es, details a series of threats and stalking incidents involving players, referees and officials during the tournament hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Bomb threats targeted Messi

One of the most serious incidents allegedly occurred in Dallas before Argentina's match against Jordan. According to the dossier, a caller contacted Dallas airport and claimed that he and two others were travelling towards the stadium carrying homemade explosives and an AR-15 rifle.

The caller threatened police officers and players from both teams, while specifically mentioning Messi as a target.

Another threat was made ahead of Argentina's match against Egypt in Atlanta on July 7. An X user threatened to enter the stadium with explosives and target Messi.

Security teams also responded to a separate bomb threat during the Atlanta match after a caller claimed that three explosive devices had been placed inside rubbish bins at the stadium. Bomb disposal specialists, K-9 teams and other security personnel searched the venue.

The incidents were investigated as part of a wider international security operation involving agencies from participating countries, with the FBI and the Centre for International Police Cooperation (IPCC) coordinating efforts to monitor potential threats.

Ronaldo and referees also faced threats

Messi was not the only major football figure under heightened security scrutiny.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was also involved in several incidents, according to the dossier. A FIFA employee alerted authorities after noticing a suspicious man seeking information about Ronaldo's accommodation. Houston police later arrested a man at the hotel where the Portuguese squad was staying.

In another incident in Toronto, a man was detained after attempting to enter a lift with Ronaldo. He later told police that he wanted to take a selfie with the footballer.

Match officials also faced significant abuse. French referee François Letexier reportedly received more than 6,000 threatening WhatsApp messages following Argentina's match against Egypt. Video assistant referee Willy Delajod was also subjected to abusive messages and death threats.

Several players and teams were similarly targeted online. The reported dossier included threats and abusive messages involving France's Kylian Mbappé, Norway's Alexander Sørloth, Colombia's Jaminton Campaz and South Korea coach Hong Myung-bo and his squad.

The security dossier highlights the scale of the challenges faced by authorities during a World Cup that attracted unprecedented global attention, requiring close monitoring of threats against players, officials and their families.