Lionel Messi and Argentina stars left exposed after bizarre passport details leak before crucial FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign

A major mistake off the field grabbed attention before Argentina’s latest World Cup warm-up match in the United States. Lionel Messi and several of his Argentina teammates had private passport details accidentally exposed after an official team sheet was released without sensitive information being removed. The incident happened before Argentina’s 3-0 win over Iceland in Alabama on Tuesday night local time. Team sheets are regularly shared with media before matches, but passport numbers are usually hidden before publication. In this case, the Argentina document was circulated with those details still visible, leading several local media outlets to publish the information.

The leak affected both starting players and substitutes, exposing personal details of the entire Argentina squad listed for the game. The mistake quickly became a talking point despite Argentina’s comfortable victory in front of more than 88,000 fans.

Lionel Messi, Enzo Fernandez and Lisandro Martinez affected

The leaked document reportedly included passport details for some of Argentina’s biggest names, including Lionel Messi, Enzo Fernandez and Lisandro Martinez. The information should have been removed before being distributed to journalists and media organizations.

According to reports, the error appeared to come from Road to ’26, the company responsible for organizing the friendly match. The group has also helped arrange several other international games in the United States ahead of the World Cup. Iceland’s team sheet did not contain passport numbers, which meant their players avoided a similar problem.

Argentina beat Iceland 3-0 in Alabama

While the data breach raised concerns, Argentina handled business on the field. Valentin Barco gave Lionel Scaloni’s side the lead in the first half before Lionel Messi entered the match from the bench in the 70th minute.

Soon after coming on, Messi scored from the penalty spot. Thiago Almada later added a third goal to complete a 3-0 victory for the reigning world champions.

Lionel Messi shares injury and fitness update

After the match, Messi spoke about how he is feeling following the hamstring injury he suffered while playing for Inter Miami last month. “I’m happy, enjoying every moment, and excited as always,” Messi said.

“I felt really good. I wanted to get going and shake off the lingering fears that come with an injury - to be able to play freely. We have a week left to get everyone in top shape and be ready for the opener.”

Argentina prepare for World Cup title defense

Argentina enter the tournament as defending champions after winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Lionel Scaloni’s team has also lifted the last two Copa America titles, making them one of the favorites again.

Their group-stage campaign begins next week against Algeria. Argentina will also face Jordan and Austria as they look to start another World Cup run on a strong note.




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