The 2026 World Cup produced countless unforgettable moments on the pitch, but behind the scenes, security forces had to contend with a long list of threats, harassment and unusual incidents. A leaked police report, first revealed in the past day by Spanish media, describes the scope of the threats examined during the tournament.
According to the report, reviewed by the Spanish newspaper “Informacion,” Messi was one of the players who received the highest number of threats during the World Cup. Some of the threats included explicit references to harming him during Argentina’s matches.
One of the most serious cases occurred ahead of the match between Argentina and Jordan. According to the report, a man called authorities and claimed that he and two others intended to arrive at the stadium allegedly equipped with improvised explosive devices and an AR-15 rifle.
During the call, police officers and players from both teams were mentioned as possible targets, with Messi specifically named. Another threat was received ahead of the match between Argentina and Egypt, held in Atlanta. A user on X posted a threatening message claiming he intended to enter the stadium and harm Messi with explosives.
Ronaldo also was in the crosshairs
(Photo: Charlotte Wilson/Getty Images)
The incident raised concern among security officials, and during the match another alert was received claiming that three explosive devices had allegedly been planted in trash cans around the stadium. Bomb disposal teams and dog handlers were called to the scene and carried out extensive searches. In the end, no explosives were found, and the incident turned out to be a false alarm, but it illustrated the level of alert under which the tournament was held.
Ronaldo also was marked
Messi was not the only star who required special security. According to the report, Cristiano Ronaldo was also the target of several unusual incidents. In one case, a FIFA employee alerted authorities about a suspicious person who tried to obtain details about Ronaldo’s lodging. The suspect was later arrested at the hotel where the team from Portugal was staying.
Another case occurred in Toronto, where a man was arrested after trying to enter an elevator with Ronaldo. After his arrest, he claimed he had only wanted to take a photo with the Portuguese star. In Miami, another attempt was recorded to approach Ronaldo, and during a match against Croatia, a fan wearing the star’s jersey invaded the pitch.
Mbappe also came under attack
(Photo: Franck Fife / AFP)
The threats were not directed only at players. World Cup referees also found themselves under attack. French referee François Letexier received, according to the report, more than 6,000 threatening WhatsApp messages following the match between Argentina and Egypt, which ended in a dramatic 3-2 victory for the Albicelestes. VAR referee Willy Delajod also received abusive and threatening messages. Following the threats, it was decided to increase security around Letexier and his family in France.
Kylian Mbappé was attacked on social media after France’s match against Paraguay, including comments of a xenophobic nature. According to the report, images also were circulated online of a doll in his likeness being set on fire. Norwegian striker Alexander Sørloth and his wife were allegedly threatened after he missed a scoring opportunity, while Colombian Jáminton Campaz became a target of threats after missing a penalty.
According to the report, the threats against Campaz were so serious that he did not immediately return with the rest of the Colombian national team after the tournament. South Korea’s national team also required significant security. After its elimination in the group stage, threats were received against coach Hong Myung-bo and the players, and the team received a police escort on its way to the airport.