By Tolulope Oke

Lionel Messi was reportedly the target of multiple bomb threats during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with security agencies investigating several alleged threats against the Argentina captain, according to Spanish newspaper MARCA.

A police report cited by the publication revealed that one of the threats was made shortly before Argentina’s Round of 16 match against Egypt at the tournament hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

One suspect reportedly posted a threat on social media, claiming, “I’m going to blow up Messi with four bombs strapped to my body.”

Following the threat, security officials carried out a search of the Atlanta stadium using sniffer dogs after receiving separate reports that explosives had been placed in bins around the venue.

No explosives were found during the search, and officials later determined that the alert was a false alarm.

Another alleged threat reportedly emerged before Argentina’s group-stage match against Jordan, after a man called Dallas airport claiming that he and two accomplices were travelling to the stadium with homemade bombs and an AR-15 rifle, while specifically naming Messi as their target.

MARCA reported that Messi received more threats than any other player during the tournament.

Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo was also reportedly targeted, with several people arrested over separate threats against him during the competition.

The report added that the FBI and other international security agencies collaborated throughout the World Cup to monitor and respond to threats involving high-profile players.