The 2026 FIFA World Cup ended with Spain defeating Argentina 1–0 after extra time in the final. Lionel Messi and Argentina reached the final before losing to Spain in New Jersey.

However, a recently surfaced police dossier has shed light on security threats reportedly faced by Messi during the tournament. According to reports citing the dossier, the Argentina captain was the subject of multiple threats, including incidents connected to Argentina’s matches against Jordan and Egypt.

Before Argentina’s group-stage match against Jordan in Dallas, authorities reportedly received a call from a man who threatened to enter the stadium with two others carrying homemade bombs and an AR-15. The caller reportedly threatened police officers and players from both teams and specifically mentioned Messi. Argentina won the match 3–1, with Messi starting on the bench.

Ahead of Argentina’s Round of 16 match against Egypt in Atlanta, another threat reportedly targeted Messi. According to the reported police dossier, a suspect wrote on social media: “I’m about to enter Atlanta’s stadium and blow up Messi with four bombs strapped to my body.” A separate caller also reportedly claimed that three bombs had been placed inside trash cans in the stadium. Authorities searched the venue with explosive-detection dogs, but no devices were found, and the threat was treated as a false alarm.

Cristiano Ronaldo and referees also faced threats during 2026 FIFA World Cup

Cristiano Ronaldo was also involved in security incidents during the tournament. According to reports based on the police dossier, FIFA alerted the FBI after a suspicious man sought information about Ronaldo’s accommodation. Houston police reportedly later located and detained the same man at the hotel where Portugal’s squad was staying. In another incident in Toronto, an individual was arrested after attempting to enter an elevator with Ronaldo and reportedly claimed that he only wanted a selfie with the Portuguese star.

The tournament also saw threats directed at referees following controversial decisions. French referee François Letexier reportedly received more than 6,000 threatening messages on his personal WhatsApp after officiating Argentina’s Round of 16 match against Egypt. VAR official Willy Delajod was also reportedly subjected to threatening messages, including death threats, following the controversy surrounding the match.