Messi Targeted For Assassination During 2026 World Cup – Police Report

A police report has uncovered an alleged plot to assassinate Argentine football star Lionel Messi during the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Spanish newspaper MARCA reported on Saturday that several suspects allegedly issued threats to attack stadiums where Messi was scheduled to play, including threats involving explosives.

According to the report, Messi received more threats than any other player during the tournament, with one alleged threat made shortly before Argentina’s Round of 16 match against Egypt.

A suspect posted a threat on social media claiming an intention to attack Messi with explosives.

The message triggered a security operation at the stadium in Atlanta, where sniffer dogs were deployed following separate reports that explosives had allegedly been hidden inside bins around the venue.

The search found no explosives, and authorities subsequently determined that the alert was a false alarm.

Another threat allegedly emerged ahead of Argentina’s group-stage fixture against Jordan.

According to MARCA, a man called Dallas airport and claimed that he and two accomplices were travelling to the stadium carrying homemade explosives and an AR-15 rifle.

Messi was identified as the intended target of the alleged attack.

The reported threats prompted heightened security measures around Argentina’s matches, with law enforcement agencies closely monitoring potential threats against the football star and other high-profile players.

Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo was also reportedly targeted by separate threats during the tournament.

The report said several individuals were arrested over threats allegedly made against Ronaldo, although the incidents were separate from those involving Messi.

Security agencies, including the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation, worked with international law enforcement partners throughout the tournament to identify and neutralise potential threats against players and other high-profile figures.

The incidents have highlighted the extensive security challenges surrounding major international sporting events, particularly when global football stars attract large crowds and heightened public attention.

Despite the threats, security officials were able to investigate the alerts and determine that at least some of them were false alarms, while maintaining protection around the affected venues and players.