Lionel Messi Targeted with Bomb Threats During World Cup

Lionel Messi was the target of several serious threats during the World Cup, according to Spanish newspaper Informacion.es. The report cites daily security reports from the International Police Cooperation Center (IPCC), an FBI-coordinated international police hub.

One incident involved a caller to Dallas airport claiming to be traveling with two others, carrying homemade bombs and an AR-15-style rifle, intending to attack police and players, specifically naming Messi. Another threat, posted on social media before Argentina's match against Egypt, stated the individual planned to detonate themselves near Messi with four bombs attached to their body.

Security forces and bomb-sniffing dogs swept the stadium during the match following a separate bomb threat made via phone. The reports indicate that Messi and the Argentinian team were not the only targets.

Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly faced harassment and threats. Referee Francois Letexier allegedly received around 6,000 threatening WhatsApp messages after his decisions during the Argentina-Egypt game. Kylian Mbappé was subjected to xenophobic insults, and a doll representing him was burned in Paraguay. Other players, including Alexander Sørloth, Jaminton Campaz, and Lucas Digne, also received death threats after missed opportunities or errors. The South Korean national team required a heavy police escort to leave the tournament due to death threats.