Messi Undergoes Security Screening at Miami Airport Ahead of Tournament Match

A circulated video captures Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentine national team, as he undergoes security screening upon arrival at Miami airport. This procedure was applied to all members of the Argentine delegation ahead of their match against Cape Verde in the round of 32 of the tournament held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

The footage shows the Inter Miami player passing through a metal detector before emptying his pockets and undergoing additional security checks. Messi, who has been residing in Miami since 2023, responded to the screening process with a smile and a relaxed demeanor, which impressed many social media users.

At one point, Messi laughed after discovering the contents of his teammate Cristian Romero’s bag during the inspection, according to reports. One social media user remarked that despite Messi’s global fame, he was not exempt from the strict security measures enforced by U.S. authorities.

U.S. airport and border authorities impose stringent security screenings without exceptions, including on sports delegations participating in the tournament. These procedures involve random checks and detailed scrutiny of individuals and sports groups to ensure safety.

Several delegations expressed dissatisfaction with the lengthy and rigorous inspections upon entering U.S. territory. Players, technical staff, journalists, referees, and even family members of the teams encountered significant obstacles before entering the country, undergoing intense questioning and screening. A considerable number were denied entry altogether.