Football / Lionel Messi Nearly Bombed at FIFA World Cup 2026! FBI Dossier Exposes Shocking Terror Plots

Bhubaneswar, Aug 8: Argentine football great Lionel Messi was reportedly the most threatened player during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a police dossier detailing alarming plots against players, referees, and officials.

The confidential reports, compiled under an FBI‑coordinated international security operation, reveal the scale of threats that shadowed the tournament.

According to a report by Spanish outlet Informacion.es, security agencies from the United States and participating nations worked through a joint network to monitor terrorism alerts, violent threats, and suspicious activity.

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Messi, as one of the sport’s biggest global attractions, emerged as the primary focus of several serious incidents.

One of the most chilling threats unfolded in Dallas, where Argentina faced Jordan. A man allegedly contacted Dallas airport authorities claiming he and two accomplices were en route to the stadium carrying “homemade bombs and an AR‑15.”

Messi was explicitly named among the intended targets, alongside police officers and players from both teams. The threat triggered an immediate escalation in security measures.

Another disturbing episode preceded Argentina’s clash with Egypt in Atlanta. An X user reportedly posted that they planned to enter the stadium with explosives strapped to their body, specifically threatening to attack Messi.

Police later received a separate call warning that three bombs had been planted in bins inside the venue. Explosives specialists, canine handlers, and K‑9 teams were deployed to secure the stadium, underscoring the heightened vigilance surrounding Argentina’s fixtures.

CR7 Also Targeted

Portuguese great Cristiano Ronaldo was also targeted. On June 14, a FIFA employee raised concerns about a suspicious individual seeking details of Ronaldo’s accommodation. Houston police arrested the man two days later at the hotel where Portugal’s squad was staying, averting a potential breach of security.

Match officials were not spared either. French referee Francois Letexier reportedly received more than 6,000 threats via WhatsApp, reflecting the toxic abuse directed at referees during high‑stakes encounters.

The dossier paints a sobering picture of the challenges faced by law enforcement during the World Cup. While the tournament showcased football’s global appeal, it also exposed vulnerabilities created by the immense attention on its biggest stars.