Lionel Messi was reportedly the target of multiple threats during the World Cup, including an alleged suicide attack and claims that explosives had been planted inside a stadium. Security experts had also warned ahead of the tournament that its massive scale and crowded fan areas could make the World Cup an attractive target for lone actors and extremist groups.
The chilling details have emerged as the soccer star mourns the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at 68 following a prolonged illness.
New reports are emerging with fresh details about alleged threats against Lionel Messi’s life during the recently concluded 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Reports suggest the former FC Barcelona star received the “most threats” of any player during the tournament, including an alleged threat involving a suicide attack.
Before Argentina’s group-stage game against Jordan, a man reportedly called the Dallas airport and threatened to enter the stadium with at least two other people carrying homemade explosives and ammunition, with Messi allegedly identified as the target.
Another scare reportedly followed ahead of Argentina’s round-of-16 clash against Egypt, when police received threats claiming bombs had been placed inside stadium bins. Authorities searched the venue with explosive-detection dogs but reportedly found no explosives.
Experts Had Warned Of World Cup Terror Threats
Long before the tournament kicked off, security experts had warned that the 2026 World Cup could present an attractive target for terrorists and domestic extremists. A Center for Strategic and International Studies analysis said the most likely danger would come from a lone actor or small group targeting softer locations surrounding matches rather than heavily protected stadium interiors.
Those vulnerable areas included fan zones, public transit routes, hotel and restaurant districts, and crowds waiting outside stadium entrances. The report noted that the tournament’s scale complicated security efforts, with 104 matches spread across 16 host cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico over 39 days.
CSIS also pointed to firearms, vehicles, and improvised explosives as among the most plausible methods of attack against crowded public areas.
Lionel Messi Mourns His Father Following Prolonged Illness
The new revelations about the threats to Messi’s life during the World Cup sadly coincide with confirmation coming from multiple sources that his father and agent, Jorge, has died.
The 68-year-old passed away at a medical clinic in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness. He reportedly spent his final days surrounded by his wife, Celia, and children Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol, who cared for him throughout his health struggles.
Although the family has yet to release an official statement, Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, paid tribute to Jorge on X, describing him as “the pillar and the person who, with vision, rigor and affection, supported the career of the best player of all time, alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.”
The Argentine FA also shared a statement, saying, “From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm, and affectionate embrace. Strength to you all.”
Messi’s Tears Raised Concern At World Cup
During the World Cup, concern grew after Messi was seen crying following his opening goal in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria. He later explained that his emotions had nothing to do with football and revealed that he had been going through a difficult period.
“My tears after the first goal? I’ve had some tough days. It wasn’t related to soccer,” he explained, per Hello! “And those feelings were because of that. I thank my teammates, the coaching staff and the delegation for helping me.”
Following Argentina’s World Cup campaign, the football legend reportedly traveled to his hometown to spend time with his family before rejoining the Inter Miami squad.
Lionel Messi Called His Father His Biggest Support
Messi’s father played an instrumental role in his rise to global football icon status, serving as his business manager and advocate. The soccer star has often spoken about Jorge’s influence and sacrifices throughout his career, describing him as one of his biggest sources of support.
In an interview during the World Cup, Messi revealed that Jorge was “going through a very difficult health situation and fighting for his life,” adding that the ordeal had been difficult for the entire family.
“Football has given me everything, but family will always come first,” Messi said. “When I step onto the pitch, I carry my emotions with me, but I also try to stay strong for my country and for him.”
