Miami Police have been placed on red alert ahead of a potential homecoming for Lionel Messi during the 2026 World Cup. The Argentine icon is aiming to help his side win their group, which could set up a round of 32 match at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on July 3. That would see Inter Miami star Messi return to his adopted home, sparking fears of chaos in and around the stadium.
Messi's Impact in Miami
Messi has become a cult figure since joining Inter Miami from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023. He is the most famous face in Major League Soccer and has elevated the league's profile globally. Thousands of fans are expected to flock to the stadium for the knockout game, hoping to catch a glimpse of the superstar.
Local police are bracing for potential disorder and have started planning for this eventuality. Extra officers have been placed on standby, and a plan to boost security measures outside the stadium is under discussion.
Argentina's Group Stage and Messi's Form
Messi, who turns 39 on Thursday, made a sensational start to the World Cup by scoring a hat-trick in Argentina's opening win over Algeria. Argentina face Austria in Dallas on Monday, before completing the group stage against Jordan, also in Dallas on June 27.
La Albiceleste aim to top Group J to avoid a potential clash with Spain in the round of 32. Coach Lionel Scaloni led Argentina to their third World Cup in Qatar, and Messi will be pivotal if they are to retain the trophy.
"What Leo did is difficult to explain," Scaloni said after beating Algeria. "We see him every day and he still surprises us. He has been doing it for 20 years, every single match. What he did today at 38 is difficult to explain."
Scaloni Warns Against Overconfidence
Scaloni is well aware that his team cannot dismiss any opponent, having memorably lost against Saudi Arabia in 2022. "This team knows very well that anyone can beat us," Scaloni admitted. "If you get a little bit overconfident, anyone can beat you. We have plenty of examples; we were the first against Saudi Arabia."
