Lionel Messi singled out Kansas City for its backing as Argentina geared up to face England in the FIFA World Cup semifinal on 9 July 2026.
What did Messi say?
Messi thanked the city in a brief message posted on his official channels, calling the support “incredible” as his team prepared for the high-stakes fixture. The post came with a photo of the squad at their training base, underlining the unity ahead of the clash with England.
Why Kansas City matters now
The semifinal clash in Kansas City marks the first time Argentina have reached this stage in the tournament since their 2022 triumph. The city’s fan turnout and local backing have become a talking point among players and staff, with Messi highlighting the warmth of the welcome during the team’s stay.
What comes next for Argentina
Argentina will face England in the semifinal on 9 July 2026 at Arrowhead Stadium. The match follows a 2-0 quarterfinal win over the Netherlands, with Messi playing every minute so far in the competition.