Rita Sobot

Security reports from the FBI and International Police Cooperation Center documented numerous threats and harassment incidents involving players and officials during the World Cup in the United States. Lionel Messi reportedly faced the most threats, including claims that attackers would enter an Atlanta stadium with bombs and firearms, while Cristiano Ronaldo was repeatedly targeted by people seeking access to him. Match referee François Letezier received more than 6,000 WhatsApp threats and was given protection for his family in France. Kylian Mbappé was also subjected to xenophobic online abuse and a staged burning of a doll bearing his image.