A leaked police dossier has reportedly revealed the extent of security threats investigated during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Lionel Messi allegedly identified as the primary target of multiple threats throughout the tournament. The documents, initially reported by a Spanish newspaper, detail a series of incidents including bomb threats, stalking, and online abuse directed at players, referees, and officials. Security agencies reportedly worked continuously to address these concerns.
According to reports from a Spanish newspaper, which stated it reviewed the police dossier, Argentina and Messi were prominently mentioned in several high-priority security alerts managed during the tournament, which was jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Alleged Threats Against Messi
One significant incident reportedly occurred before Argentina‘s match against Jordan. A caller contacted Dallas airport, claiming that he and two other individuals planned to enter the stadium armed with “homemade bombs and an AR-15.” The dossier reportedly indicated that the caller threatened to attack “police officers and players from both teams,” with “special mention” of Messi.
Another alleged threat was linked to Argentina‘s match against Egypt in Atlanta. According to the police report cited by the Spanish newspaper, a user on social media platform X posted, “I’m about to enter the Atlanta stadium and blow up Messi with four bombs strapped to my body.” During the same match, another individual reportedly contacted police, claiming three explosive devices had been placed inside rubbish bins within the stadium. Bomb disposal units and specialist canine teams subsequently searched the venue, though it was ultimately a false alarm.
The reports indicate that all these threats were investigated as part of the tournament’s extensive security operation. The dossier reportedly described Messi as the player who received the highest number of terror-related threats during the competition.
Security Incidents Involving Other Players and Officials
The leaked documents also detailed repeated security incidents involving Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo. According to the dossier, a FIFA employee alerted authorities after a “suspicious man” sought information about Ronaldo’s accommodation during the tournament. The report also described several other incidents in Houston, Toronto, and Miami involving supporters attempting to gain access to the Portuguese forward.
In one instance, police arrested a man after he allegedly entered Ronaldo’s team hotel and attempted to board a lift with the player. The individual reportedly told officers he only wanted to take a selfie with the Portugal captain. Another incident reportedly involved a supporter wearing a Ronaldo shirt who entered the field during Portugal‘s match against Croatia.
Threats extended beyond the prominent players to include match officials and other players. French referee François Letexier reportedly received over 6,000 threatening WhatsApp messages following the Argentina–Egypt match. Video assistant referee Willy Delajod was also subjected to abusive messages and death threats.
The dossier also indicated that several players became targets following their performances during the tournament. Online xenophobic abuse was reportedly directed at France forward Kylian Mbappé after France‘s match against Paraguay. Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth and his wife were reportedly threatened after he missed a goalscoring opportunity. Colombia international Jaminton Campaz allegedly received threats following a missed penalty, which reportedly prevented him from travelling home with the rest of his national team.
The documents further claimed that South Korea head coach Hong Myung-bo and the entire South Korean squad required a significant police escort to the airport after authorities received death threats directed at the team following its group-stage elimination. The reported threats were investigated as part of a wider security operation involving US authorities and international agencies.
The police report listed all security threats faced by both the FBI and the IPCC during the World Cup won by Spain.
Source: goal.com
