Lionel Messi reportedly faced serious security threats during Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, with leaked U.S. police documents detailing alleged plans to attack the football superstar.
The reports describe multiple threats against Messi before Argentina’s matches in the United States. Some allegedly involved weapons, homemade explosives and even a possible suicide attack.
Threat Emerged Before Argentina’s Group-Stage Match
One of the most alarming incidents reportedly happened before Argentina’s group-stage match against Jordan in Dallas.
According to the security report, a caller contacted Dallas airport and allegedly claimed that three people would enter the stadium carrying weapons and homemade bombs.
Messi was reportedly identified as the target.
The warning prompted security officials to take precautions ahead of the match. Authorities worked to protect both the Argentine squad and thousands of supporters attending the game.
Another Alleged Attack Threat Before the Round of 16
The security concerns reportedly returned before Argentina faced Egypt in the Round of 16 in Atlanta.
Police documents allegedly describe another threat involving a person who claimed they would enter the stadium and carry out a suicide attack targeting Messi.
Authorities also investigated a separate bomb warning linked to the same match.
Reports claimed that explosives had been placed inside stadium bins.
Security teams responded quickly. Specially trained bomb-detection dogs were reportedly brought in to search the stadium.
What investigators reportedly found
No explosives or dangerous devices were discovered.
Security teams searched areas of concern before the match.
Officials eventually determined that the reported threat was not credible.
Despite the warnings, Messi remained part of Argentina’s World Cup campaign.
Messi Responded on the Pitch
Despite the disturbing threats surrounding the tournament, Messi continued to play a major role for Argentina.
Against Egypt, he reportedly scored during Argentina’s dramatic 3–2 comeback victory.
Argentina had fallen two goals behind before fighting back to win the match and advance to the quarter-finals.
The reported security incidents added another layer of tension to a tournament already filled with pressure. While authorities ultimately found no explosives, the alleged threats showed the extraordinary security challenges surrounding one of football’s biggest stars.
For Messi, however, the response was on the pitch where he continued leading Argentina through the World Cup.
