Kansas City Turns Blue and White as Argentina Arrives for World Cup Opener

Kansas City is already feeling like an Argentine outpost, with fans of the reigning world champions walking the streets in team shirts and a large black SUV decked out in Argentina colors parading through the city at night. After tornado warnings echoed from the vehicle, Kendrick Lamar songs came over the speakers, while passengers waved Argentine flags and shouted, "Vamos, vamos." The buildup comes as Argentina opens its group campaign at Arrowhead Stadium, better known as the home of the Kansas City Chiefs, where Patrick Mahomes usually commands the stage and Lionel Messi will now take center spotlight.

Lionel Scaloni's team enters the match with strong pressure to defend its title, but also with some late fitness concerns. Scaloni said, "I learned from past experience that you can start a World Cup with a specific plan in mind, but the tournament forces you to change." He has had to monitor Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolás González and goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, who is dealing with a finger injury. The encouraging news for Argentina is Messi, who has been carefully managed in warm-up matches and scored in a 3-0 win over Iceland, is expected to lead the attack alongside Julián Álvarez.

This will be the first official meeting ever between Argentina and Algeria, and the North Africans arrive with momentum. The Algerians beat the Netherlands 1-0 and Bolivia 4-0 in an impressive preparation campaign. Coach Vladimir Petkovic, the Swiss-born manager, has built a tough side around Riyad Mahrez of Al-Ahli and striker Amine Gouiri of Marseille. Petkovic said, "We need to stay humble, but also be proud of who we are and trust our values. We will give everything to bring happiness to the Algerian people."