Messi smiles as Argentina arrive in Kansas City ahead of World Cup defence

Argentina have touched down in Kansas City after an 11-hour flight from Ezeiza on Aerolineas Argentinas flight 1978, its Airbus A330 bearing Messi’s No. 10 and three gold stars. The squad has set up base at the Origin Hotel, transformed into a blue-and-white fortress, with most of Lionel Scaloni's 26-man roster present and some European-based players still to join.

Their first full session is scheduled at the Compass Minerals National Performance Center, the facility usually home to Sporting Kansas City. Messi led the champions into Kansas City, drawing excitement and questions about whether this summer will be his final international campaign.

He is managing muscle fatigue and a mild strain in his left hamstring, and the medical staff say his availability will depend on "his clinical and functional progress." The tournament will be his sixth World Cup, a run that began in Germany 2006 and culminated in Qatar, and Argentina aim to have him ready for the opener against Algeria on June 16 at Arrowhead Stadium.

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