Was the 2026 World Cup really safe from drama? While the tournament took place under close surveillance in North America, a confidential report from the International Center for Police Cooperation has just revealed the extent of the threats taken seriously by the authorities. A document placed under the direction of the FBI during the competition, the leak of which highlights several particularly worrying scenarios, as reported The Dispatch.
Lionel Messi was reportedly the target of an assassination plan during the World Cup. According to this report, a man planned to storm the Dallas stadium during the group match between Jordan and Argentina, accompanied by two accomplices. The trio would have prepared their move into action with weapons and homemade explosive devices, with a clearly identified target: the star of Albiceleste.
Messi and Ronaldo at the heart of the threats
The American authorities also had to take seriously a second threat directly targeting Lionel Messi. On social networks, an individual allegedly claimed to want to attack the stadium which was to host the match between Egypt and Argentina. A publication sufficiently worrying to trigger reinforced vigilance around the enclosure and the meeting.
But the eight-time Ballon d’Or would not have been the only player to be the subject of threats. According to Marcaseveral people were arrested after behavior considered worrying around Cristiano Ronaldo. One of the suspects reportedly asked more questions about the Portuguese’s place of residence, attracting the attention of Fifa, who then alerted the FBI. Two days later, Houston authorities reportedly found the individual in the hotel where the Portuguese team was staying before arresting him.
