Sporting Kansas City's practice facilities have been selected as the base camp for the Argentina national team, led by Lionel Messi, during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The team, ranked second in the world, will train at the Compass Minerals National Performance Center, which is also the official training ground for U.S. Soccer. Argentina plays its first group-stage match in Kansas City and the next two in Dallas. Sporting KC president and CEO Jake Reid said the process took approximately two years and included public officials rolling out a red carpet for the team. Reid mentioned that Messi's comfort with local facilities and the city helped in the decision-making process. The hosting of a World Cup base camp is expected to bring in tens of thousands of fans from Argentina, providing a significant boost to the local economy. England, the Netherlands, and Algeria are also expected to base in the Kansas City area during the tournament. Sporting KC's training facilities will be showcased, which could help recruit players and improve the club's international reputation. The economic impact of hosting a base camp will be substantial, with fans, players, and media flocking to the city. Reid assured that Sporting KC would be able to support both Argentina and other teams, such as England, which will reportedly train at Swope Park. The FIFA World Cup is expected to announce the base camps for all teams by April, and MLS will pause its season for the tournament. The Argentina Football Association officials admired Sporting KC's facilities and Kansas City's geography, citing the city's prime location and influential economy. The partnership between Sporting KC and the Argentina national team is a significant opportunity for the club to promote its brand and facilities on the international stage.