Lionel Messi received more death threats than any other footballer during the 2026 World Cup.
That is according to Marca, which reviewed an extensive U.S. law-enforcement report concerning security during the tournament held in the United States.
According to the Spanish newspaper, the U.S. law-enforcement report details the various security threats faced by the FBI and IPCC during the World Cup, which was won by Spain.
Marca has also revealed a series of disturbing details.
One individual allegedly threatened to attack the stadium during the group-stage match between Jordan and Argentina, together with two other people who were reportedly armed with homemade explosive devices and an AR-15 rifle.
During that phone call, Messi was specifically mentioned as a target, with the alleged intention being to kill the Argentine superstar.
Before the match between Argentina and Egypt, investigators also discovered several disturbing messages posted online.
“I will enter the stadium in Atlanta and blow Messi up with four bombs strapped to my body,” a suspect allegedly wrote on social media.
During the same match, authorities also carried out an actual bomb search inside the stadium after concerns that explosives might have been hidden in several trash bins. Following a thorough search involving sniffer dogs, the alarm was determined to be false.
Marca also reports that several people were arrested over threats against Cristiano Ronaldo.
FIFA notified the FBI after a suspicious individual repeatedly insisted on obtaining details about Ronaldo’s whereabouts. Authorities subsequently arrested the person.
Two days later, Houston police tracked down the same individual and arrested him at the hotel where the Portugal national team was staying.
In Toronto, another person was arrested following a similar incident after attempting to enter an elevator with Ronaldo, claiming that he simply wanted to take a selfie with the Portuguese star.
World Cup referees also received a large number of death threats.
French referee François Letexier reportedly received more than 6,000 hateful messages after officiating the controversial match between Argentina and Egypt.
Following the threats, French authorities increased security measures around Letexier, his home, and his family in France.