Argentina’s World Cup title defense draws a frenzy in Kansas City as Messi nurses a hamstring strain - ABC News

Reigning World Cup champion Argentina is generating enormous excitement in Kansas City ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with large crowds gathering at the team's hotel and training sessions. Lionel Messi, who will turn 39 next month, is nursing a hamstring strain and muscle fatigue, though he was seen working out at practice on June 3, 2026. Argentina opens their title defense against Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium on June 16, with their 26-man roster featuring 17 players from the squad that beat France in the 2022 Qatar final.