Messi’s Argentina National Team Makes an Important Decision Ahead of the 2026 World Cup

The Argentina national team has already decided where it will be based during the lead-up and the group stage of the 2026 World Cup. The team coached by Lionel Scaloni will set up camp in Kansas City, a U.S. city that will serve as the Albiceleste’s operational base at the start of the tournament.

According to sources from the Argentine Football Association (AFA) cited by EFE, the decision is strategic, aimed at prioritizing proximity to the stadiums where Argentina will play its opening matches of the World Cup.

The reigning world champion will make its debut on June 16 against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium, located in Kansas City and best known as the home of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs. This factor was key in determining the team’s base.

During their stay, Argentina will train at the Compass Minerals National Performance Center, a top-level complex regularly used by Sporting Kansas City of MLS. The facility features five training pitches, a high-performance sports laboratory, hyperbaric chambers, cryotherapy rooms, and the renowned Children’s Mercy Sports Medicine Center.

The complex also houses the U.S. Soccer National Coaching Education Center, making it one of the most advanced facilities in the country.

As for accommodations, the Argentine delegation will stay at the Hotel Origin, located within the city along the Missouri River, about 30 kilometers from the training center and 15 kilometers from the stadium.

After the opener in Kansas City, the national team will travel to Dallas, where it will play its other two Group J matches at AT&T Stadium. On June 22, Argentina will face Austria, and five days later it will close the group stage against Jordan, also in the Texas city, located roughly 800 kilometers from its main base.

With a fixed base, world-class facilities, and meticulously planned logistics, Argentina begins to map out its journey toward the 2026 World Cup, with the clear objective of defending the title won in Qatar 2022 and competing at the highest level once again, with Lionel Messi as its leading figure.

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