Shocking Threat: Police Report Reveals Assassination Plot Against Messi Ahead of 2026 World Cup

An alleged plot to assassinate Argentine football star Lionel Messi during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, has been uncovered by a police report. Spanish newspaper MARCA reported on Saturday that several suspects allegedly issued threats to attack stadiums where Messi was scheduled to play, with some threats specifically involving explosives. These incidents prompted significant security operations and raised concerns about player safety at major international sporting events.

According to the report, Messi received a higher number of threats than any other player during the tournament. One notable alleged threat occurred shortly before Argentina’s Round of 16 match against Egypt. A suspect posted a menacing message on social media, claiming an intention to attack Messi with explosives. This specific threat triggered a substantial security operation at the stadium in Atlanta, where sniffer dogs were deployed following additional, separate reports that explosives had allegedly been hidden inside bins around the venue. After a thorough search, no explosives were found, and authorities subsequently concluded that this particular alert was a false alarm.

Another alarming threat reportedly surfaced ahead of Argentina’s group-stage fixture against Jordan. MARCA detailed an incident where a man called Dallas airport, claiming that he and two accomplices were traveling to the stadium carrying homemade explosives and an AR-15 rifle. In this instance, Messi was explicitly identified as the intended target of the alleged attack, further intensifying concerns among security personnel.

These reported threats necessitated heightened security measures around all of Argentina’s matches throughout the tournament. Law enforcement agencies rigorously monitored potential threats against the esteemed football star and other high-profile players. The United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), alongside various international law enforcement partners, collaborated extensively during the tournament to identify and neutralize any potential threats against players and other prominent figures, ensuring their safety.

The police report also indicated that Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo was targeted by separate threats during the tournament. Although distinct from the incidents involving Messi, several individuals were reportedly arrested in connection with these threats made against Ronaldo. These separate incidents underscore the pervasive nature of security risks faced by global sports icons.

The collective incidents involving both Messi and Ronaldo have vividly highlighted the extensive security challenges inherent in organizing and safeguarding major international sporting events. The immense crowds and heightened public attention drawn by global football stars create complex environments for security agencies. Despite the severity of the threats and the need for immediate action, security officials were able to thoroughly investigate the alerts, determine that at least some were false alarms, and maintain robust protection around the affected venues and players, ultimately preventing any actual harm.