Messi captains the defending champions. Argentina won the 2022 World Cup in Qatar via penalty shootout victory over France. Now they're returning to the United States (along with Canada and Mexico as co-hosts) to attempt the rare feat of retaining the trophy.
For fans planning to follow Messi and Argentina throughout the tournament, this is your guide to the cities, dates, and how to stay connected across America's World Cup venues.
Messi's Historic 6th World Cup
Messi will become only the second male player in history to appear in six World Cups. Cristiano Ronaldo is the only other player to achieve this milestone.
Key Stats
- Age during tournament: 39 years old
- International appearances: 198 for Argentina (will reach 200 if he plays in upcoming friendlies)
- World Cup appearances: Currently 26 matches (holds record for most World Cup matches by any player)
- Role: Captain of Argentina
- Club: Inter Miami (MLS)
Argentina's Status
- Defending champions (won 2022 World Cup in Qatar)
- Squad includes 17 players who lifted the trophy in 2022
- Goal: Bid to retain the title (rare achievement in modern football)
Messi's presence is not just symbolic — he's still a dynamic force. At the 2022 World Cup, he led Argentina to victory after two decades of heartbreak since his last major tournament win (Copa America 2021).
Image of Lionel Messi's Jersey
Argentina's Group and Schedule
Argentina is in Group J and will play matches across multiple U.S. cities during the group stage.
Warm-up Friendlies
Group Stage Matches
| Match | City | Date | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Argentina vs Algeria | Kansas City | Wednesday, 17 June | 02:00 BST (10:00 PM EDT) |
| Argentina vs Austria | Dallas | Monday, 22 June | 18:00 BST (1:00 PM CDT) |
| Argentina vs Jordan | Dallas | Sunday, 28 June | 02:00 BST (10:00 PM CDT) |
Argentina will play two of their three group matches in Dallas, making it the primary U.S. city for following Messi and the defending champions.
Image of Argentina Football Fans
World Cup Cities Hosting Argentina
If you're planning to follow Argentina throughout the tournament, you'll need to travel to three different U.S. cities (plus one in Alabama for a friendly).
Kansas City, Missouri
Match: Argentina vs Algeria (June 17)
Kansas City is in the central United States, roughly in the geographic middle of the country. The city sits on the border of Missouri and Kansas.
How to get there: Fly into Kansas City International Airport (MCI). Major airlines serve MCI from across the country.
What to know: Kansas City is famous for barbecue and has a vibrant downtown. It's a smaller World Cup host compared to other U.S. cities, so accommodation fills up quickly.
Getting connected: Get an eSIM for North America from Globie before arriving so you can navigate, book hotels, find restaurants, and follow live updates.
Dallas, Texas
Matches: Argentina vs Austria (June 22) and Argentina vs Jordan (June 28)
Dallas is Argentina's primary U.S. World Cup base. Two group stage matches mean you could base yourself here for the entire group stage.
How to get there: Fly into Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) — one of the largest airports in the U.S. with connections from everywhere.
What to know: Dallas is in north Texas, known for massive distances, modern architecture, and excellent food. The city will be packed during World Cup matches. Book accommodation well in advance.
Exploring the area: Dallas is near Fort Worth (30 minutes west) and Austin (3 hours south). If you're staying for multiple matches, you could explore the broader Texas region.
Texas (Friendly Match)
Match: Argentina vs Honduras (June 7, warm-up friendly)
The exact venue for the Honduras friendly will be somewhere in Texas but hasn't been specified in the group details. Check closer to the date for the specific city.
Image of U.S. Stadium
Why You Need Connectivity
Following Argentina across three U.S. cities requires reliable mobile data.
You'll need data for:
- Navigation: Driving or using rideshare between cities
- Live updates: Checking scores, team news, match schedules
- Booking: Hotels, flights, rental cars
- Communication: Staying in touch with other fans, family
- Stadium apps: Some stadiums may require apps for entry or information
- Currency: Checking exchange rates, finding ATMs
Roaming charges from your home country carrier will be expensive (often $5-15 per MB in some countries). International plans are limited.
The solution: Get an eSIM for North America before traveling. You'll have reliable, affordable data across the entire U.S. without hunting for WiFi or paying roaming fees.
Practical Travel Tips
Timing
Argentina plays on June 17, 22, and 28. Plan to arrive by June 16 at the latest. June is summer in the U.S. - prepare for heat (85-95°F in Kansas City and Dallas).
Travel Between Cities
Kansas City to Dallas: ~3 hour drive (500 km) OR 1 hour flight (MCI to DFW)
Decision: If you're staying for Match 1 (Kansas City), you have options:
- Drive to Dallas and stay for both Matches 2 and 3 (save on flights)
- Fly to Dallas after Kansas City (faster, but more expensive)
Accommodation
World Cup matches drive up hotel prices dramatically. Book early. Consider staying slightly outside the main cities (cheaper, still accessible).
Stadium Entry
Bring your passport. Security will be tight. Arrive 2-3 hours before match time.
Local Food & Culture
- Kansas City: Famous for ribs and barbecue
- Dallas: Tex-Mex, steakhouses, diverse international cuisine
- Texas generally: Larger portions, Southern hospitality
Getting Around
- Rental car: Recommended if you're comfortable driving. U.S. roads are well-maintained, distances are long.
- Rideshare (Uber/Lyft): Available in both cities, but expensive during World Cup (surge pricing likely)
- Public transit: Limited in both cities compared to European standards
Budget
- Hotels: $150-300/night during World Cup (premium prices)
- Flights: Book in advance to avoid last-minute hikes
- Food: Dining out is relatively cheap in the U.S. ($15-30 for a meal)
- Tickets: World Cup tickets vary ($100-500+ depending on match importance)
Final Thoughts
Messi's sixth World Cup is a historic moment. Argentina's bid to retain the trophy is rare. And the tournament is coming to North America — a region many fans can access more easily than Qatar or Russia.
If you're planning to follow Argentina (and Messi) across the United States, the key is preparation:
- Book tickets and accommodation early
- Get an eSIM before you travel
- Plan your route between Kansas City and Dallas
- Prepare for summer heat and U.S. distances
This World Cup may be Messi's last. Thousands of fans will be traveling the U.S. to witness history. Make sure you're connected and ready to experience it.
Following Messi and Argentina across the U.S.? Stay connected with reliable data.
Get North America eSIM from Globie →
