Another World Cup, another new dream. Ahead of the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada, reigning world champions Argentina have begun their mission for a fourth trophy. Albiceleste captain Lionel Messi arrived in Kansas City on Sunday night, joining the squad on a private jet from Miami with teammate Rodrigo De Paul — fully ready to light up his sixth World Cup.
Though Messi and De Paul joined late, Argentina’s main party set off from Buenos Aires and reached Kansas on Sunday afternoon. The chartered flight that carried Julián Álvarez, Enzo Fernández and Nicolás Otamendi bore the number “AR1978” — a nod to the golden memory of Argentina’s first World Cup win in 1978. Alongside the 18 squad members, coach Lionel Scaloni also brought several young players to help in training.
Premier League pair Lisandro Martínez and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez have also joined the camp; despite Emiliano Martínez having a full bandage on his hand, there is said to be no concern over his availability. AFA president Claudio Tapia has not yet joined the squad — he was in Budapest, Hungary, for the Champions League final and will join later.
Argentina are staying at the newly built Origin Hotel in Kansas City, their base for the tournament. Hard training began at the Sporting KC Training Center, just 20 minutes from the hotel, from early Monday. With the changeable Kansas weather — intense heat, humidity and the chance of storms — the players are working to adapt to the conditions.
Messi recently picked up a minor left-hamstring problem while playing for Inter Miami, but the sports daily Clarín reported he will be fully fit before the first match against Algeria. Before the tournament, Scaloni’s side will play two friendlies — against Honduras in Texas on June 7 and Iceland in Alabama on June 10. The World Cup opens on June 11, and Argentina begin their title defence against Algeria in Kansas City on June 17.
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