Messi Among Football Stars Facing World Cup Security Threats

ISLAMABAD: (Sports Desk) – Lionel Messi was reportedly among several high-profile football figures targeted by serious security threats during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a report citing a police dossier compiled during the tournament.

The dossier reportedly documented threats against players, officials and their families, with some of the most specific threats allegedly directed at the Argentina captain.

One incident involved a caller who reportedly claimed that he and two others were travelling to a Dallas stadium with homemade explosives and an AR-15-style rifle. The caller allegedly threatened police officers and players from both teams while specifically mentioning Messi.

Another reported threat emerged ahead of Argentina’s July 7 match against Egypt. According to the report, a post on X threatened to attack Messi with explosives at the Atlanta stadium.

Security personnel subsequently carried out extensive searches at the venue, with bomb-disposal experts, dog handlers and K-9 teams deployed after another threat alleged that explosives had been placed inside garbage containers.

Player Security Threats

The tournament’s security operation involved multiple agencies, reportedly coordinated through the FBI and the IPCC (Centre for International Police Cooperation). Authorities monitored terrorism-related alerts, stalking reports and threats involving players and their families.

Messi was not the only football superstar mentioned in the security dossier. Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly involved in separate incidents in which individuals allegedly attempted to obtain information about his whereabouts and accommodation.

In one case, a man was arrested at the hotel where Ronaldo and the Portuguese squad were staying after reportedly seeking information about the captain. In another incident in Toronto, a man was detained after allegedly attempting to enter a lift with Ronaldo, reportedly saying he wanted a selfie.

Threats Against Officials

French referee François Letexier was also reportedly targeted, with the dossier stating that he received more than 6,000 threatening WhatsApp messages.

The reported incidents highlighted the extensive security challenges surrounding the 2026 World Cup, as authorities monitored potential threats and suspicious activity involving some of football’s most prominent players and officials.