KANSAS CITY (USA) (ITALPRESS) – Lionel Messi’s sixth World Cup has officially begun. The former Barcelona and PSG star, along with his compatriot and Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo De Paul, arrived in Kansas City a few hours after the Seleccion landed to join the rest of the national team.
The bulk of the group arrived at Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport on Aerolineas Argentinas charter plane number 1978, a tribute to the Argentine’s first World Cup victory. The plane featured a special livery: Messi’s number 10 was emblazoned on the tail, nestled between the traditional white and blue stripes, while three gold stars commemorated the three world titles won.
Argentina has chosen Sporting Kansas City’s training facilities as its headquarters during the initial phase of the tournament. Placed in Group J, the Seleccion will debut on June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City. Their other opponents in the group will be Austria and Jordan.
Before the start of the World Cup, Argentina will play two more warm-up friendlies: against Honduras on June 6 and against Iceland on June 9.
It remains to be seen whether Messi will be involved in these tests, given the muscle fatigue he suffered in his last outing against Inter Miami.
-Photo IPA Agency-
(ITALPRESS).
