Argentina races ahead of storm in first training session with Marcos Senesi

With the arrival of defender Marcos Senesi on Saturday as his new reinforcement, Lionel Scaloni now has all his troops in Kansas City for Argentina's bid to win a fourth World Cup crown in North America.

Senesi, who has replaced the injured Leonardo Balerdi, had only a few hours to recover from his flight from Europe before joining the group for a morning training session.

The session had originally been scheduled for the afternoon, in keeping with Albiceleste's usual routine, but Kansas City was preparing for the arrival of severe storms at that time.

Organisers of the Fan Fest also rescheduled a performance by band The Chainsmokers due to the threatening forecast, which included the possibility of strong winds, hail and even tornadoes in the region.

Lionel Messi and his team-mates have had to adapt to Kansas City's highly changeable weather, where high temperatures and humidity can suddenly give way to heavy downpours and rolling thunder.

Saturday morning also began with rain at the training facilities of Sporting Kansas City before blazing sunshine emerged, under which Scaloni's players trained.

Fitness doubts

For now, forecasts are more favourable for Tuesday, when Argentina begin their title defence against Algeria national football team at Arrowhead Stadium, home of the Kansas City Chiefs.

On the pitch, Messi is enjoying his connection with the squad that will accompany him to the sixth World Cup of his career, one of several records within reach at this tournament.

Scaloni has yet to decide who will partner his captain in attack. Julián Álvarez continues to recover well from an ankle problem and, if he is not fully fit, Lautaro Martínez will step in.

Goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez, who is recovering from a fractured finger on his right hand, is racing against time to be fit to face Riyad Mahrez and the rest of Algeria's attacking threats.

Scaloni's biggest concern remains his defence, due to the calf strain affecting his only natural left-back, Nicolás Tagliafico.

Senesi's arrival

The possible absence of the Olympique Lyonnais full-back, who continues to train separately from the group, was a key factor in the decision to call up Senesi.

The left-footed centre-back, whose arrival could allow either Lisandro Martínez or Facundo Medina to move out wide, landed in Kansas City overnight and immediately sent a message to Balerdi, who has been ruled out of the World Cup with a muscle injury in his right leg.

"I want to send my best wishes to 'Flaco.' It's a difficult situation for him," Senesi told reporters at the airport.

"I'm very happy about this opportunity and I want to enjoy it as much as possible," said the defender, who earned his place after an outstanding season with AFC Bournemouth.

Scaloni's call, which came five days after Balerdi's injury as the coach weighed up his options, found Senesi on holiday in Ibiza with his girlfriend, English footballer Kelci Rose.

"I was training and waiting to see what happened. Obviously I had no contact or indication until the very last moment," he said.

"You always have hope, and I held on to that hope until the very end," explained the defender, who also spoke about the video his partner recorded and posted on social media when Scaloni called.

"It was completely spontaneous. She was filming because she was getting changed, just an ordinary moment, and then I got the call," recalled Senesi, who recently signed for English Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur.