Argentina Team Undergoes Tight Security Screening in US Ahead of FIFA World Cup, Messi’s Reaction Goes Viral

PARIS: Videos showing strict security checks of several national football teams arriving in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup have sparked widespread discussion on social media, with the latest footage featuring reigning world champions Argentina.

According to reports, national teams from Senegal, Uzbekistan, Germany, and Argentina were subjected to enhanced airport security procedures upon arrival or before boarding flights. Videos circulating online show security personnel inspecting players’ luggage and conducting thorough screening procedures.

One of the first videos to go viral featured the Senegal national team standing beside their luggage on an airport runway while undergoing security clearance before entering the terminal.

Reports also said the Uzbekistan national team faced extensive screening while traveling for a friendly match against the Netherlands, with authorities reportedly using sniffer dogs and advanced security equipment to inspect players and their belongings.

Similarly, Germany’s national team underwent strict immigration and security checks before traveling to Toronto for a match against Ivory Coast, with players and team officials passing through multiple security procedures.

Media reports further claimed that members of the Iraq and Iran national teams experienced immigration-related difficulties upon entering the United States. Some players were reportedly questioned for several hours, while a number of support staff members were allegedly denied entry.

The latest footage shows Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, going through similar security screening before boarding a flight. In the video, Messi initially appeared surprised by the situation but was later seen smiling and laughing.

The videos have generated mixed reactions online. While some social media users expressed surprise that world-renowned football stars and national teams were subjected to such rigorous checks, others argued that the procedures reflect the United States’ strict immigration and airport security policies ahead of a major international sporting event.