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AIPROPX ReportYahoo Sports · 1h ago
Alleged murder plot against Lionel Messi revealed in police report
Photo by Maja Hitij - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
Lionel Messi was reportedly the target of multiple serious threats during the 2026 World Cup, including an alleged plot to murder the Argentina star inside a stadium.
According to Marca, a large-scale American police report reviewed by the Spanish newspaper detailed security threats faced by the FBI and the IPCC during the tournament, which Spain won.
Messi reportedly received more death threats than any other footballer mentioned in the report. One alleged threat involved a plan to enter a stadium with homemade bombs and an AR-15 rifle.
Photo by ANGELA WEISS / AFP via Getty Images
Lionel Messi reportedly singled out in disturbing World Cup threats
Marca reported that one man allegedly threatened to storm the stadium during the group-stage meeting between Jordan and Argentina with two other people.
Messi was reportedly named as a specific target during the phone call, with the alleged intention of killing the Argentine superstar.
Another disturbing incident was reported ahead of Argentina’s match against Egypt.
A suspect allegedly wrote online: ‘I am going into the Atlanta Stadium and blowing Messi up with four bombs strapped to my body.’
Authorities took the threat seriously enough to conduct a search of the stadium for explosives.
Sniffer dogs were reportedly used as officials checked areas including bins, although the search ultimately found no bombs.
Messi was not the only global superstar facing security concerns during the tournament.
Cristiano Ronaldo was also reportedly targeted, with FIFA alerting the FBI after a suspicious man repeatedly sought information about the Portugal captain’s whereabouts.
Two days later, Houston police reportedly arrested the same man at the hotel where Portugal were staying.
Another person was arrested in Toronto after allegedly trying to enter a lift with Ronaldo while claiming he only wanted a selfie.
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
The threats also extended beyond the players.
French referee François Letexier reportedly received more than 6,000 hate messages after officiating the controversial Argentina-Egypt match. Authorities subsequently provided additional protection for his home and family in France.
The reported incidents underline the scale of the security operation surrounding football’s biggest stars during the World Cup.
For Messi, the details offer another glimpse into the risks that can come with being one of the most recognisable athletes in the world, even away from the pitch.
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