Lionel Messi's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup was marked by both on-field success and alarming off-field threats. At 39 years old, the Argentine forward continued to perform at a high level, but reports indicate that he faced a significant number of death threats during the tournament, more than any other player. According to a comprehensive American police report, Messi was identified as the most targeted athlete in terms of security threats throughout the event, raising serious concerns about his safety.

Disturbing Threats Uncovered

Details surrounding the threats against Messi were particularly unsettling. A report from Marca revealed that one individual allegedly planned to infiltrate the stadium during Argentina's group-stage match against Jordan, armed with homemade explosives and an AR-15 rifle. During a phone conversation, Messi was explicitly named as a target, with intentions to harm the football star.

In addition, prior to Argentina's match against Egypt, investigators uncovered alarming online messages. One suspect reportedly stated on social media, "I am going into the Atlanta Stadium and blowing Messi up with four bombs strapped to my body." This prompted security officials to take immediate action, conducting a thorough search of the stadium for potential explosives. Despite the seriousness of the threat, which involved checking bins with the assistance of sniffer dogs, no bombs were found, and the incident was ultimately deemed a false alarm.

Ronaldo Also Targeted

Messi was not the only high-profile player facing security threats during the World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo also encountered several alarming incidents, leading to multiple arrests. In one notable case, FIFA contacted the FBI after a man exhibited suspicious behavior by persistently inquiring about Ronaldo's location. Authorities arrested this individual, who was later apprehended again at the hotel where the Portugal team was staying, further highlighting the heightened security concerns surrounding both superstars during the tournament.

The revelations about the threats against Messi and Ronaldo underscore the significant security challenges faced by elite athletes at major international events. While Messi remained focused on his performance for Argentina, the disturbing nature of these threats serves as a reminder of the complexities surrounding athlete safety in today's world.