U.S. police investigators uncovered a plan to assassinate football star Lionel Messi during the 2026 FIFA World Cup [2].
The revelation highlights the extreme security challenges facing the tournament's host cities and the specific risks targeting high-profile global athletes.
According to a police report cited by the Spanish newspaper Información and reported by O Globo, the threat emerged ahead of a group-stage match between Argentina and Jordan [2]. The plot centered on Dallas, Texas, where the match was slated to take place [2].
Investigators detailed a phone call made to the Dallas airport by an unidentified man [1]. During the call, the individual said he intended to enter the stadium to kill Messi [2]. The caller said he would be accompanied by two armed accomplices [1].
Messi was identified as the primary target of threats received throughout the tournament [2]. The report, published on Aug. 8 [2], indicates that police have been monitoring the situation to prevent any breach of security at the venue.
While the details of the plot have surfaced through reporting by Información and O Globo, U.S. authorities have not released further public details regarding the identity of the caller or the current status of the suspects [1], [2]. The investigation remains focused on the coordination between local police and tournament security to ensure the safety of the players, and spectators in Dallas [2].
“US police investigators uncovered a plan to assassinate football star Lionel Messi during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
This security breach underscores the vulnerability of massive sporting events to targeted violence. By identifying a specific plot involving armed entry into a stadium, authorities are forced to shift from general crowd control to high-intensity counter-terrorism protocols for specific individuals, potentially altering how athletes are transported and protected during the 2026 tournament.
