Police report reveals alleged plot to target Lione...

By Rohan Gupta — 8 August 2026 — 3 min read

A leaked police dossier has reportedly detailed the extent of security threats during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Lionel Messi identified as a primary target in multiple alleged terror threats throughout the tournament. The documents, initially reported by a Spanish newspaper, describe various incidents including bomb threats, stalking, and online abuse directed at players, referees, and officials, all of which were monitored by security agencies during the competition.

According to reports from a Spanish newspaper, which reviewed the police dossier, Argentina and Messi were central to several high-priority security alerts managed during the tournament, which was jointly hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. These alerts were part of an extensive security operation.

Alleged Threats Against Messi

One of the most serious incidents reportedly occurred before Argentina‘s match against Jordan. A caller contacted Dallas airport, claiming that he and two other individuals intended to enter the stadium with homemade bombs and an AR-15 rifle. The dossier reportedly stated that the caller threatened to attack police officers and players from both teams, making specific mention of Messi.

Another alleged threat was linked to Argentina‘s July 7 match against Egypt in Atlanta. According to the police report, a user on a social media platform 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 that three explosive devices had been placed inside rubbish bins around the stadium. Bomb disposal units and specialist canine teams subsequently searched the venue, though it ultimately turned out to be a false alarm.

The reports indicate that all these threats were investigated as part of the tournament’s comprehensive security operation. The dossier described Messi as the player who attracted the greatest number of terror-related threats during the tournament, according to the Spanish newspaper.

Security Operations and Other Targets

The leaked documents also reportedly 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 five-time Ballon d’Or winner. The individual later told officers he simply 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.

The police documents extended beyond threats directed at football’s most prominent stars. French referee François Letexier allegedly received more than 6,000 threatening WhatsApp messages following the Argentina–Egypt match. Video assistant referee Willy Delajod was also subjected to abusive messages and death threats.

According to the dossier, several players also became targets following their performances during the tournament. The report cited online xenophobic abuse directed at France forward Kylian Mbappé after France‘s match against Paraguay, including claims that an effigy bearing his likeness was burned and shared on social media. Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth and his wife were also reportedly threatened after he missed a goalscoring opportunity.

Colombia international Jaminton Campaz allegedly received threats following a missed penalty that 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. These incidents highlight the broad scope of security concerns during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Source: goal.com