Lionel Messi's private jet was delayed leaving Argentina's Rosario airport due to a bomb scare which saw all flights halted.
The 34-year-old was set to return to Spain for his summer holidays on Tuesday after leading Argentina to the Copa America.
But just hours before he was due to leave South America, a man claimed to have a bomb in his suitcase.
Security immediately enforced their emergency protocols, evacuating the airport and suspending all flights.
The matter was swiftly resolved but the delayed caused a huge flight backlog which dented Messi's plans.
An airport statement read: “At 11:50 am, the airport security police (PSA) activated the preventive emergency plan due to a situation of suspicion. The building was evacuated as a precaution."
Messi was looking to spend a few weeks abroad with his family before beginning his pre-season.
The six-time Ballon d'Or winner's future remains uncertain after his Barcelona contract expired, although he is expected to remain in Catalunya.
The Spanish giants are experiencing huge financial difficulties and cannot currently register any new players.
Messi however is expected to sign a new two-year deal at the Nou Camp
The Argentine is currently celebrating ending his wait for an international trophy after helping his country beat Brazil 1-0 at the Maracana.
Speaking after the match Messi couldn't hide his emotions, saying: "It's crazy, the happiness I feel is inexplicable.
"I had to leave sad but I knew that at some point it was going to happen.
"I had a lot of confidence in this group that became very strong since the last Copa América. It is a group of very good people, who always push forward, who never complain about anything.
"I thought of my family when the game ended. Many times we had to suffer, go on vacation and spend the first days feeling sad. This time it is different.
"We are still not aware that we were champions, of what we achieved. But I think it will be a game that will go down in history, not only because we were champions of America but also because we beat Brazil in his country.
"We have to take advantage of this , this new team. I told them that they were going to be the future of the national team and I was not wrong. They demonstrated that, today we are champions.
"They told me that people are celebrating everywhere. I want to thank the people of Rosario for the recognition they gave me.
"I told Fideo (Di María) that today he was going to have his revenge and that's how it was.
"I want to share this with those teammates who were so close so many times and it was not given to them. This is also for them."
