Bomb Threats Target Messi During 2026 World Cup

A police report has uncovered a plot to assassinate Argentine football icon Lionel Messi during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, according to the Spanish newspaper MARCA. Messi reportedly received more threats than any other player, including a suicide bomb threat before Argentina's Round of 16 match against Egypt.

One suspect threatened on social media, stating, “I’m going to blow up Messi with four bombs strapped to my body,” prompting a security sweep of the Atlanta stadium, which turned up no explosives. Another threat emerged before Argentina's group-stage match against Jordan, where a man called Dallas airport claiming he and two accomplices were heading to the stadium with homemade bombs and an AR-15 rifle, specifically targeting Messi.

MARCA also reported that Cristiano Ronaldo faced threats during the tournament, with several arrests made concerning threats against him. The FBI and international police collaborated to track and neutralize these threats against high-profile players.