Argentina captain Lionel Messi faced serious threats during the FIFA World Cup. Reports revealed that Messi was targeted by numerous chilling threats throughout the tournament. Authorities investigated several alarming incidents ranging from bomb threats to stalking and online harassment aimed at Messi. These threats occurred during crucial fixtures, including allegations of a caller threatening to use explosives at the Dallas stadium during Argentina's match against Jordan. The caller mentioned carrying weapons and specifically named Messi as a target, raising serious security concerns.
Further threats emerged on social media during Argentina's game against Egypt, where an individual claimed to be entering the Atlanta stadium armed with bombs intending to harm Messi. Online posts and phone calls detailed plans involving explosives placed within stadium trash cans. These claims prompted rigorous investigations by police, explosives experts, and K9 units, leading to stadium sweeps and heightened security measures before, during, and after matches.