With less than 100 days until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off across North America, Argentina — the defending champions — have confirmed Kansas City as their base camp. They will train at Sporting KC's Compass Minerals National Performance Center in Kansas City, Kansas, and stay at the Berkley Riverfront hotel during their time in the region.

Argentina is one of four national teams that have chosen Kansas City, making it one of only two host cities with four base camps and the only city hosting more than one Pot 1 team. England and the Netherlands have also selected KC, along with Algeria. The distinction has turned a midwest city better known for barbecue and jazz into something like the diplomatic capital of the tournament's preparation phase.

The choice carries symbolic weight beyond logistics. These are Lionel Messi's successors — Argentina won in Qatar in 2022 with Messi at the peak of his powers, and the question of what the squad looks like without him has shaped the tournament's narrative ever since. Training in Kansas City means the answer to that question will be worked out in front of an American public that adopted Messi as its own.

For Kansas City itself, the economic and civic implications are real. Union Station lit its facade in Argentina's blue and white when the announcement came in February.

The World Cup begins this summer. The Albiceleste are already home.

-- AMARA OKONKWO, Kansas City