A detailed review of official law enforcement documentation regarding the 2026 World Cup indicates that Argentina’s captain, Lionel Messi, was the primary target of numerous death threats. The analysis, conducted by the Spanish publication Marca, examined comprehensive security logs compiled by the FBI and IPCC throughout the global tournament.
Security authorities identified a specific plot involving a man who intended to infiltrate a stadium during the Argentina versus Jordan group-stage match. The individual reportedly planned to execute the attack alongside two associates equipped with an AR-15 rifle and improvised explosive devices, explicitly naming Messi as their target. Additional threats surfaced online leading up to Argentina’s match against Egypt. This prompted emergency teams to conduct an exhaustive search of the stadium for hidden explosives using specialized canine units. Fortunately, these operations confirmed that the threats were unfounded and the stadium remained safe.
