According to Marca, a US police report revealed that security threats were made against Messi, Ronaldo, and referees during the World Cup.
A U.S. police report reveals that during the FIFA World Cup when Spain won the title, the FBI and the International Police Cooperation Center were responsible for eliminating multiple security threats. The most notable of these was a suicide attack threat against Messi, who received the most threats of any player throughout the tournament.
Ahead of Argentina's group stage match against Jordan, a man called Dallas Airport, threatening to storm the stadium with two others carrying homemade bombs and an AR-15 rifle, and explicitly mentioning that he wanted to kill Messi.
Ahead of Argentina's round of 16 match against Egypt, threats resurfaced. One suspect wrote on social media that he intended to enter Atlanta Stadium and kill Messi with four bombs strapped to his body. During the same match, police also received another call claiming there were three bombs hidden in several trash cans in the stands. Police subsequently searched the entire stadium with bomb-sniffing dogs, ultimately confirming it was a false alarm.
Cristiano Ronaldo suffers security breach
Cristiano Ronaldo also encountered security issues at the hotel where the Portuguese national team was staying. According to a police report, FIFA notified the FBI that a "suspicious man" attempted to obtain "details" about Ronaldo's accommodation. Two days later, Houston police located and arrested the man at the hotel where the Portuguese national team was staying. Another person was arrested in Toronto for a similar incident; he had attempted to sneak into the elevator with Ronaldo and claimed he only wanted to take a selfie with him.
6,000 hate messages
Referees have also received death threats. French referee François Letsier received over 6,000 hate messages on his personal messaging app after officiating the controversial Argentina vs. Egypt match. Video assistant referee Willie De Lajo, who officiated the same game, also received similar messages. Due to the threats, security has been increased at both referees' homes and with their families in France.
