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Revealed: FBI Foiled Two Assassination Plots Against Messi at 2026 World Cup

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Revealed: FBI Foiled Two Assassination Plots Against Messi at 2026 World Cup

Revealed: FBI Foiled Two Assassination Plots Against Messi at 2026 World Cup

Security archives reveal two advanced terror threats targeting the Argentine captain, a stalker hunting Lionel Messi, and a referee bombarded with 6,000 hate messages—all during the world’s biggest football tournament.

Behind the roar of the crowd and the drama of penalty shootouts at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a shadow operation was unfolding. Hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, the tournament became a battleground not just for football glory, but for the safety of its biggest star: Lionel Messi. Leaked police documents, first reported by Spanish newspaper MARCA, have exposed a chilling series of assassination plots that targeted the Argentine legend. According to the dossier, Messi received more security threats than any other player—including two specific, time-sensitive alerts that prompted full-scale military-grade sweeps of major stadiums. Here is the complete, detailed breakdown of the plots, the security response, and the other high-profile targets caught in the crosshairs.

The most alarming threat emerged just hours before Argentina’s Round of 16 clash against Egypt in Atlanta. Investigators monitoring extremist social media channels flagged a post from a suspect who declared: “I’m going to blow up Messi with four bombs strapped to my body.” The message was not dismissed as idle chatter. With the match imminent, FBI counter-terrorism units and local law enforcement activated an emergency protocol. Simultaneously, a second anonymous caller contacted police, claiming that three additional explosives had been hidden inside rubbish bins scattered throughout the stadium concourse. In response, sniffer dogs and bomb disposal experts conducted a floor-by-floor search of the 71,000-seat venue, while facial recognition software was deployed at all entry points to identify the suspect and undercover officers were positioned within the crowd, ready to intercept any movement toward the pitch. After a two-hour lockdown and exhaustive sweep, officials confirmed the alert to be a false alarm. No devices were found, and play resumed without public panic. However, sources confirm that the suspect’s social media account was traced to a foreign IP address, and the investigation remains open.

Days earlier, ahead of Argentina’s group-stage fixture against Jordan at Dallas Stadium, authorities received a disturbing phone call. A man rang Dallas Airport security to announce that he and two accomplices were en route to the ground, armed with a homemade fragmentation bomb and an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle. The caller named Messi as their primary target, but also threatened to open fire on police officers and players from both teams. Aviation units were placed on standby to track vehicle movements toward the stadium, counter-sniper teams were positioned on rooftops overlooking the entrances, and all luggage and bags entering the stadium underwent secondary X-ray screening. The call was traced to a burner phone, and the suspects never materialised. The match went ahead with heightened security, but the incident was logged as a credible threat that required the highest level of response.

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According to the leaked dossier, the Atlanta plot had one additional layer of sophistication. The suspect who posted the “four bombs” message had previously scouted the stadium’s layout using publicly available floor plans. Investigators believe he intended to access a hospitality suite overlooking the pitch—a vantage point that would have given him a clear line of sight to Messi during set-pieces and celebrations. The FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force worked with Mexican and Canadian intelligence agencies to cross-reference the suspect’s digital footprint. While no arrest has been publicly announced, the operation demonstrated unprecedented cross-border co-ordination among the three host nations.

Messi was not the only global icon in the crosshairs. The dossier reveals that Portuguese forward Cristiano Ronaldo faced multiple security breaches during the tournament. In one incident, a FIFA employee reported a “suspicious man” lingering near the team’s hotel, asking staff about Ronaldo’s room number and daily schedule. Houston police identified and detained the individual, who was found to have no legitimate reason for being on the premises. In a separate episode in Toronto, a man was arrested after forcing his way into a hotel lift with Ronaldo and his security detail. The intruder claimed he only wanted a selfie, but security protocols classified it as a potential kidnapping or assault attempt. The man was charged with trespassing and harassment, and later released on bail with a restraining order.

The threat landscape extended beyond players. French referee François Letexier, who officiated the Argentina–Egypt match, became the target of online abuse on an industrial scale. Within 24 hours of the final whistle, Letexier received over 6,000 hate messages on WhatsApp—many containing death threats and explicit images. The VAR official for the same match faced similar harassment, with abusive callers targeting his personal mobile number. French police and FIFA security increased armed protection for both officials and their families in France. This incident has reignited the debate about online abuse in football, with calls for social media platforms to verify user identities before allowing direct messaging to match officials.

The scale of the operation was unprecedented for a sporting event. The FBI, working alongside Interpol and host-nation police forces, established a dedicated counter-terrorism command centre that operated 24/7 throughout the tournament. Key measures included real-time intelligence sharing between US, Mexican, and Canadian agencies through the International Police Cooperation Center; monitoring of extremist forums, dark web channels, and social media platforms for threat indicators; deployment of undercover officers, counter-sniper units, and bomb disposal teams at every stadium where high-profile players were scheduled to appear; and enhanced personal security details for Messi, Ronaldo, and other designated “tier one” athletes, including armoured vehicle escorts. Investigators noted that the 2026 World Cup was the first to be hosted across three nations, creating jurisdictional gaps that could be exploited by bad actors. The FBI’s lead counter-terrorism agent reportedly briefed FIFA executives on multiple occasions, warning that the tournament’s high profile made it a “prime target” for both lone-wolf attackers and organised extremist groups.

The leaked documents paint a sobering picture of the modern sporting mega-event. With global audiences in the billions and players treated as national symbols, the security apparatus required to protect them now rivals that of state visits and G7 summits. Key takeaways from the report include the reality that Messi’s status as the world’s most recognisable athlete makes him a perennial target—not just for fans, but for those seeking notoriety; that social media platforms are increasingly being used by would-be attackers to announce intent, providing both a warning and a tracking opportunity for intelligence agencies; and that cross-border co-ordination is essential, but it requires trust and real-time communication that can be difficult to maintain under match-day pressure.

FIFA has not publicly commented on the specific incidents, but a spokesperson reiterated the organisation’s commitment to player and fan safety at all events. The FBI declined to confirm or deny the details of the leaked dossier, citing ongoing investigations. However, a senior official speaking on condition of anonymity stated: “The threats we neutralised during the World Cup were real, complex, and required the full weight of our international partnerships. The public should be reassured that every credible lead was pursued, and no match was ever allowed to proceed without a comprehensive security review.”

In the months following the tournament, security experts have called for permanent reforms to how mega-events are protected. Proposals include pre-tournament threat assessments for all “tier one” players, including psychiatric evaluations of known online aggressors; mandatory social media vetting for individuals who purchase tickets to high-profile matches; and increased funding for intelligence-sharing between host nations, particularly when events span multiple jurisdictions. For Messi and Ronaldo, the tournament ended without incident—but the leaked dossier confirms that the threat was never imaginary. It was a dry run for a darker possibility, and one that security forces are already planning for at future tournaments, including the 2030 World Cup in Europe.

Revealed: FBI Foiled Two Assassination Plots Against Messi at 2026 World Cup

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Messi Fires Stunning 75th Career Free-Kick to Reach 930 Goals in Inter Miami Draw

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September 21, 2026

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Messi Fires Stunning 75th Career Free-Kick to Reach 930 Goals in Inter Miami Draw

The Argentine maestro bags his 101st goal for the Herons alongside a Luis Suárez strike as San Diego FC snatches a 2-2 result.

Lionel Messi reached another historic milestone on Sunday night, curling home his 75th career direct free-kick to tally his 930th professional goal during Inter Miami’s pulsating 2-2 draw with San Diego FC.

The 39-year-old Argentine forward stepped up in the 24th minute after drawing a foul outside the penalty area, whipping a trademark left-footed strike off the post past goalkeeper CJ dos Santos to cancel out Anders Dreyer’s early chip for the visitors.

Consequently, the spectacular strike marked Messi’s 101st goal in an Inter Miami shirt, arriving just four days after he surpassed the century mark in a Campeones Cup victory over Mexico’s Cruz Azul and his 20th league goal of the 2026 Major League Soccer campaign.

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Building on that momentum, strike partner Luis Suárez found the net in the 74th minute to hand Miami a 2-1 lead. However, Dreyer struck back for San Diego eight minutes later, capitalizing on defensive space to slot home his second goal of the evening and silence the home crowd.

Ultimately, the late equalizer condemned Inter Miami to their fourth consecutive MLS stalemate, leaving the club on 46 points with a record of 12 wins, four defeats, and 10 draws.

While the shared points frustrated coach and squad alike in the playoff seeding race, Messi continues to defy age, anchoring Miami’s attack and pushing global scoring records to extraordinary heights.

Messi Fires Stunning 75th Career Free-Kick to Reach 930 Goals in Inter Miami Draw

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Enough Is Enough: Muslim Supporters Demand Change of New Man United Owners

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3 days ago

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September 20, 2026

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Enough Is Enough: Muslim Supporters Demand New Man United Owners

Enough Is Enough: Muslim Supporters Demand Change of New Man United Owners

The Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club (MUMSC) has called for a change in the ownership of the English Premier League club, demanding that Sir Jim Ratcliffe and the Glazer family leave following fresh comments by the billionaire about immigration, welfare and the state of the United Kingdom.

The supporters’ group issued a strong statement of no confidence in the Manchester United ownership after Ratcliffe, the club’s co-owner and chairman of INEOS, said Britain was “on the slide” and argued that politicians were not being sufficiently tough on immigration and welfare.

Ratcliffe made the comments during a BBC interview in which he discussed Britain’s economic and political challenges. He attributed part of what he sees as the country’s decline to high taxes and immigration and called for politicians to take tougher decisions on immigration and benefits. (The Guardian)

The remarks triggered a fresh response from the Manchester United Muslim Supporters’ Club, which said it had previously hoped Ratcliffe’s apology over earlier immigration comments would mark a change in his approach.

The group said the latest remarks were “deeply disappointing” and “completely unacceptable”, arguing that they were inconsistent with the diverse character of Manchester United.

According to the supporters’ group, the club brings together players, staff, stewards, security personnel and supporters from different countries, cultures, ethnicities, religions and backgrounds.

It said that diversity is not separate from the identity of Manchester United, but is an important part of what the club represents.

The latest dispute follows comments Ratcliffe made earlier in 2026 in which he said Britain had been “colonised by immigrants”. He later apologised for his choice of language and for causing offence.

MUMSC said it had condemned those earlier comments and hoped the apology indicated that a lesson had been learned, but argued that Ratcliffe’s latest remarks showed otherwise.

The supporters’ group also expanded its criticism beyond the billionaire’s comments on immigration, pointing to concerns about Manchester United ticket prices, the condition of Old Trafford, the club’s performances and what it described as repeated unfulfilled promises.

MUMSC said many supporters had initially welcomed Ratcliffe’s arrival because they hoped his investment would bring meaningful change after years under the Glazer family’s ownership.

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However, the group said its confidence in the current ownership had now been exhausted.

“Enough is enough. It is time for change. The Glazers and Sir Jim Ratcliffe must go,” the group said.

Ratcliffe became a major shareholder in Manchester United in 2024 after his INEOS group acquired a minority stake in the club. The agreement also gave INEOS significant responsibility for football operations, while the Glazer family retained control of the club.

The ownership dispute comes amid a difficult start to the 2026/27 Manchester United season, with results on the pitch adding to the frustration among sections of the supporters.

United were knocked out of the Carabao Cup in the third round after losing 3-2 to Brighton & Hove Albion at Old Trafford despite taking a two-goal lead within the opening 10 minutes.

Teenager Shea Lacey opened the scoring before Mason Mount doubled United’s advantage, but Brighton responded through Charalampos Kostoulas, Pascal Gross and Maxim De Cuyper to complete the comeback.

The defeat ended United’s Carabao Cup campaign at the first hurdle and marked the first time in 50 years that the club had lost at Old Trafford after taking a 2-0 lead. (The Guardian)

Manager Michael Carrick accepted responsibility for the collapse and said the team had to respond quickly by returning to winning football.

The cup defeat followed a 1-0 loss to Manchester City in the Premier League and contributed to a difficult opening period for Carrick’s side. Recent reporting put United 13th in the Premier League after collecting four points from their opening four league matches. (The Guardian)

The football struggles have therefore become another source of tension between sections of the fan base and the club’s leadership, although the MUMSC’s latest statement makes clear that its concerns are broader than results.

The supporters’ group has linked its demand for ownership change at Manchester United to questions about the club’s direction, supporter relations, commercial decisions and its treatment of the diverse community that follows the team.

Ratcliffe’s involvement has already produced significant changes at the club, including restructuring and job cuts, while his decisions on ticketing and other operations have generated criticism from some supporter groups.

His latest comments have now added an additional point of contention, particularly among the Muslim supporters’ group, which says Manchester United’s international and multicultural identity should be reflected in the conduct and public statements of those running the club.

Despite the demand from MUMSC, there has been no indication that Sir Jim Ratcliffe or the Glazer family is preparing to sell their respective interests in Manchester United.

The latest development nevertheless places renewed attention on the relationship between the club’s ownership and its supporters as Manchester United attempts to recover from a difficult start to the new season.

Enough Is Enough: Muslim Supporters Demand Change of New Man United Owners

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Ronaldo Included in Portugal’s Nations League Squad as Jorge Jesus Begins New Era

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4 days ago

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September 19, 2026

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Ronaldo Included in Portugal’s Nations League Squad as Jorge Jesus Begins New Era

Ronaldo Included in Portugal’s Nations League Squad as Jorge Jesus Begins New Era

Cristiano Ronaldo has been included in Portugal’s 25-man squad for the opening fixtures of the 2026/27 UEFA Nations League, ending immediate uncertainty over the 41-year-old captain’s continued involvement with the national team.

New Portugal head coach Jorge Jesus named Ronaldo in his first squad on Friday, September 18, as the reigning Nations League champions prepare for four Group A4 matches between September 24 and October 4.

Ronaldo’s selection comes less than three months after the veteran forward confirmed that the 2026 FIFA World Cup would be his final appearance at the tournament.

He has also fuelled wider retirement speculation after saying in August that the coming year would probably be the final season of his professional football career.

However, Ronaldo has not announced his retirement from international football, and his inclusion in Jesus’ first squad confirms that he remains available for Portugal.

The five-time Ballon d’Or winner remains the leading scorer in men’s international football, with 146 goals in 233 appearances for Portugal.

His international career has included victory at Euro 2016 and two UEFA Nations League titles, in 2019 and 2025.

Ronaldo was unable to add the FIFA World Cup trophy to his collection after Portugal were eliminated by Spain in the round of 16 at the 2026 tournament.

The defeat brought his World Cup career to an end after six appearances at the global tournament, but did not immediately mark the end of his Portugal career.

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Jesus, who was appointed after Roberto Martinez left the post following Portugal’s World Cup exit, has a previous working relationship with Ronaldo.

The 72-year-old coach managed Ronaldo at Saudi Arabian club Al-Nassr, where they won the Saudi Pro League title during the 2025/26 season.

Jesus, however, has made it clear that Ronaldo’s reputation will not guarantee him a starting place in the new Portugal team.

Discussing the veteran forward’s selection, the coach said performance would determine his decisions.

Jesus said Ronaldo would be treated like the other players when it came to selection, although he acknowledged that the Portugal captain has a different status because of his achievements.

The new coach’s comments underline his intention to maintain competition for places as he begins rebuilding the national team following the World Cup.

Jesus has retained most of the players who featured at the 2026 World Cup, with only a small number of changes to the squad.

Among the players returning to the national team are Joao Palhinha, Nuno Tavares and Fabio Silva, while Benfica goalkeeper Samuel Soares has also been included.

The squad features several of Portugal’s established stars, including Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Vitinha, Joao Neves, Nuno Mendes, Rafael Leao and Pedro Neto.

Ronaldo is joined in the forward line by Fabio Silva, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto and Rafael Leao.

Portugal will begin the new Nations League campaign at home against Wales on September 24 at the Estadio Jose Alvalade in Lisbon.

Jesus will then take his team to Oslo to face Norway on September 27 before Portugal travel to Copenhagen for a meeting with Denmark on October 1.

The four-match sequence will conclude with Portugal hosting Norway at the Estadio do Dragao in Porto on October 4.

The fixtures will provide Jesus with his first competitive tests since replacing Martinez and give him an opportunity to assess his squad ahead of the next phase of Portugal’s international programme.

Portugal enter the competition as the defending UEFA Nations League champions, having defeated Spain on penalties in the 2025 final to win the tournament for the second time.

The team’s previous Nations League triumph came in 2019, when Portugal defeated the Netherlands in the final.

Ronaldo’s selection also keeps alive the possibility of the veteran playing a role in Portugal’s preparations for future competitions, although his long-term international plans remain unclear.

The next major European international tournament will be Euro 2028, by which time Ronaldo will be 43.

For now, however, his immediate focus is the Nations League and the start of the Jorge Jesus era.

Ronaldo is also approaching another major personal milestone.

He has scored 979 official career goals for club and country, leaving him 21 goals short of the 1,000-goal mark.

Jesus was asked about the possibility of Ronaldo reaching the milestone with Portugal but suggested that he expected the forward to achieve it at club level rather than with the national team.

The comment adds another dimension to the relationship between the coach and Portugal’s most prolific international scorer.

Despite Ronaldo’s advancing age and retirement comments, his continued selection means he remains part of Portugal’s plans at the start of the new international cycle.

Jesus has nevertheless stressed that past achievements will not determine who plays, placing the emphasis on current performances.

Portugal’s first test under the new manager will therefore attract considerable attention, with Ronaldo expected to remain one of the central figures as the European champions begin their 2026/27 Nations League defence.

Portugal’s 25-Man Nations League Squad

Goalkeepers: Diogo Costa, Rui Silva, Samuel Soares.

Defenders: Goncalo Inacio, Joao Cancelo, Diogo Dalot, Nuno Tavares, Nuno Mendes, Renato Veiga, Ruben Dias, Tomas Araujo.

Midfielders: Bruno Fernandes, Joao Palhinha, Joao Neves, Ruben Neves, Vitinha, Bernardo Silva.

Forwards: Cristiano Ronaldo, Fabio Silva, Francisco Trincao, Francisco Conceicao, Goncalo Ramos, Joao Felix, Pedro Neto, Rafael Leao.

Ronaldo Included in Portugal’s Nations League Squad as Jorge Jesus Begins New Era

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