Even Lionel Messi isn't exempt from security procedures in U.S. airports. The captain of the Argentine national team underwent a thorough security check, including a pat-down and luggage inspection, before boarding his flight from Dallas to Miami. The team is set to compete in the round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup.
Images of the soccer star being searched while laughing have gone viral on social media this Thursday.
According to the sports newspaper Olé, which followed the Argentine squad on their journey, every member of the world champion team was subjected to metal detectors and had their bags opened without exception.
A security agent humorously summed up the situation with a phrase that also went viral: "Remember, next time the TSA bothers you, even Messi has to go through it."
The Mishap with Cuti Romero
The most amusing incident involved central defender Cristian "Cuti" Romero: a security agent discovered a large kitchen lighter, known as a magiclick, in his suitcase. It was immediately confiscated as it is a prohibited flammable item in the cabin.
It was Rodrigo De Paul who informed Messi about the situation, and the captain couldn't hold back his laughter. Romero boarded the plane empty-handed.
Palo Santo Ritual and Team Spirit
The reason behind the Tottenham defender carrying the lighter was not trivial. Romero is part of "La banda del palo santo," a group within the Argentine team—including Lisandro Martínez and Nahuel Molina—who perform a ritual of burning palo santo wood to ward off negative energy.
Cuti Romero entered the World Cup recovering from a right knee injury that had sidelined him for two months, making his biggest tournament mishap losing a lighter at the airport.
Argentina's Impressive Group Stage Performance
Argentina concluded the group stage as the leader of Group J with 9 points, securing three victories, scoring 8 goals, and conceding only one. Messi scored six of those goals: a hat-trick against Algeria, a double against Austria, and one against Jordan.
The next opponent for Lionel Scaloni's team is Cape Verde, participating in its first-ever World Cup knockout stage after finishing second in Group H. The match will take place this Saturday at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, a venue familiar to Messi as it is the home of his club, Inter Miami.
Should Argentina triumph over Cape Verde, they will face the winner of the Egypt vs. Australia match in the round of 16. The defending champions appear to be in good spirits, in excellent form, and, at least for now, free of lighters in their luggage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Messi and Argentina's World Cup Journey
Why did Lionel Messi undergo a security check at the airport?
Lionel Messi underwent the routine security procedures at the Dallas airport before his flight to Miami, as all passengers do regardless of their status.
What happened with Cristian "Cuti" Romero at the airport?
Cristian "Cuti" Romero had a large kitchen lighter confiscated at the airport because it is a prohibited flammable item in carry-on luggage.
Who will Argentina face in the next round of the World Cup?
Argentina will face Cape Verde in the round of 32 at the World Cup. If they win, they will play against the winner of the match between Egypt and Australia.