World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi targeted by assassination plot!

A report from the American police reveals that Lionel Messi was the most threatened figure during the 2026 World Cup.

Serious threats reportedly loomed over the 2026 World Cup. According to Marca, citing a report from the American police, the FBI and the International Police Cooperation Center had to intervene on multiple occasions. Lionel Messi was said to be the most targeted personality at the tournament, which Spain ultimately won.

Read also: Women's Africa Cup of Nations 2026: Where to watch Ivory Coast vs Algeria live?

Lionel Messi explicitly targeted

Before the match between Argentina and Jordan, a man reportedly called Dallas airport claiming he planned to enter the stadium with two accomplices, homemade bombs, and an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. Messi was explicitly named as the target. Another threat emerged before the Round of 16 against Egypt, when a suspect mentioned having four explosives strapped to his body.

Another alert about three bombs in the stands led to a full stadium search by specially trained dogs, but no explosives were found. Cristiano Ronaldo was reportedly also targeted in two separate incidents. Meanwhile, referees François Letexier and Willy Delajod allegedly received thousands of hateful messages following the Argentina-Egypt match.

An international future still uncertain

Despite this tense backdrop, Messi delivered a remarkable World Cup, netting eight goals and providing four assists. The 39-year-old striker led the Albiceleste all the way to the final, narrowly losing to Spain (0-1) after extra time. Since that heartbreak, Lionel Messi has yet to announce his international retirement. His future with the national team remains up in the air, with no definitive decision communicated so far.

Mahdi Zakaria LAZRI |

Editor

Football web writer creating digital sports content with a focus on news, analysis and stories that reflect passion, accuracy and objectivity.

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