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.
A police report cited by the publication said security agencies investigated several alleged threats against the Argentina captain, including one made shortly before his side’s Round of 16 match against Egypt.
One suspect reportedly posted a threat on social media targeting Messi, prompting security officials to investigate the possibility of explosives at the stadium.
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The report said officials conducted a search of the Atlanta stadium with sniffer dogs after receiving separate reports that explosives had been placed in bins around the venue.
No explosives were found, and the alert was subsequently determined to be a false alarm.
Another alleged threat emerged before Argentina’s group-stage match against Jordan.
According to the report, a man called Dallas airport and claimed that he and two accomplices were travelling to the stadium with homemade bombs and an AR-15 rifle, while specifically naming Messi as their target.
MARCA reported that Messi received more threats than any other player during the tournament.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was also reportedly targeted, with several people arrested over separate threats against him during the competition.
The report said the FBI and other international law enforcement agencies worked together throughout the World Cup to monitor and respond to threats involving high-profile players.
The alleged incidents prompted additional security checks at venues hosting matches involving some of the tournament’s biggest stars. However, the reported threats against Messi did not result in explosives being found.
