A leaked police security dossier has revealed alleged threats against Lionel Messi and other high-profile footballers during the recent FIFA World Cup 2026, co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the USA according to reports.
The dossier compiled by authorities monitoring incidents throughout the tournament reportedly documented threats against players, officials and their families. Messi allegedly faced some of the most specific threats recorded.
One caller allegedly told authorities that he and two others were travelling to a Dallas stadium carrying homemade bombs and an AR-15 rifle with police officers and players from both teams including Messi named as targets.
A separate threat emerged around Argentina's July 7 match against Egypt, when a post on X reportedly claimed the writer intended to enter Atlanta Stadium carrying explosives and target Messi. Security teams including explosives specialists and K-9 units responded to searches at the venue after another caller claimed bombs had been placed in stadium garbage bins.
The tournament's security operation was jointly led by the FBI and the International Police Cooperation Centre (IPCC) which monitored terror-related alerts and threats involving players and their families.
Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo also faced repeated attempts by individuals seeking information about his whereabouts and accommodation. In Toronto, a man was detained after allegedly trying to enter a lift with Ronaldo, later telling police he only wanted a photo with the footballer.
French referee François Letexier reportedly received over 6,000 threatening WhatsApp messages during the tournament.
Authorities say the incidents were part of a broader security operation tracking threats against the World Cup's highest-profile figures throughout the event.
