Massive security blunder: Messi, Argentina players' passport data leaked ahead of World Cup
A serious data breach has sparked fresh controversy around the FIFA World Cup 2026 after passport information of players from the Lionel Messi-led Argentina national football team was reportedly leaked ahead of a pre-tournament friendly.
According to a Reuters report, the security lapse occurred when an official team sheet—containing sensitive passport numbers—was circulated without proper redaction.
Sensitive data accidentally published
The document, intended for internal use and media distribution, allegedly exposed passport details of every Argentine player listed for the match against Iceland.
The information should have been blurred before release, but was instead shared publicly.
Notably, Iceland players were not affected as their passport details were not included on the submitted sheet.
Stadium oversight raises questions
The incident took place during a friendly held at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Alabama, raising concerns over basic data-handling protocols linked to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
Organisers and FIFA have reportedly been contacted for clarification.
Messi marks return with goals amid chaos
On the pitch, Argentina maintained focus, securing a 3-0 win. Lionel Messi returned from injury and scored twice, including a penalty, continuing his strong form ahead of the tournament.
The leak adds to a series of off-field issues surrounding the buildup to the tournament, including complaints over heightened security checks for visiting teams and administrative concerns involving officials and travel clearances.
Support Our Journalism
We cannot do without you.. your contribution supports unbiased journalism
IBNS is not driven by any ism- not wokeism, not racism, not skewed secularism, not hyper right-wing or left liberal ideals, nor by any hardline religious beliefs or hyper nationalism. We want to serve you good old objective news, as they are. We do not judge or preach. We let people decide for themselves. We only try to present factual and well-sourced news.
Support objective journalism for a small contribution.
