During the 2026 World Cup, a number of security threats were recorded against football stars Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. The publication Zamon.uz reported.
According to the report, during the tournament, the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation and the International Police Cooperation Center investigated threats against the players and other participants.
Lionel Messi was at the center of threats several times. Before the Argentina national team's matches against Jordan and Egypt, threats related to attacks on the stadiums and on the player himself were received.
In particular, before the Argentina — Jordan match, an unknown person called Dallas airport and threatened to enter the stadium with weapons and explosives and attack Messi.
Before the Argentina — Egypt match, threats of violence against Messi were spread on social media. Additionally, a report came in that explosive devices had been placed at the stadium. Law enforcement agencies inspected the stadium with service dogs, but the report was found to be false.
Incidents related to Cristiano Ronaldo were also recorded. FIFA informed law enforcement agencies about a suspicious person seeking to obtain information about where the Portuguese footballer was residing. Later, this person was detained at the hotel where the Portugal national team was staying.
In Toronto, another person who tried to enter the elevator of the hotel where Ronaldo was staying was detained. He said he intended to take a selfie with the footballer. (Talksport)
During the World Cup, referees also faced threats. After the Argentina — Egypt match, French referee François Letexier received more than 6,000 messages containing insults and threats on his personal WhatsApp account. VAR referee Willy Delajod also faced similar threats.
After the incidents, measures to ensure the safety of referees and their family members in France were strengthened.
It should be noted that although the bombing and attack threats against Messi were investigated, no real explosive devices were found at the stadiums.
