KANSAS CITY, Mo.—The World Cup spotlight finally shines on Kansas City as Argentina plays Algeria at Arrowhead Stadium Tuesday night. As FIFA embraces Kansas City for the first time, the region is returning the favor.

“We’re here to repeat, we are here to keep the title,” said one Argentina fan.

Roughly 40 miles away, Lawrence, Kansas, has adopted Algeria, one of the world’s scrappiest underdogs.

“I think we got a shot,” says a Lawrence, Kan. resident.

Tuesday night inside Arrowhead Stadium, those two cultures will collide.

For Les Fennec, it’s Algeria’s first world tournament in 12 years. Led by veteran Riyad Mahrez - Algeria has the University of Kansas community full steam behind them. 

“Rock chalk, Algeria,” said Justine Johns, General Manager of Johnny’s Tavern West.

It’s an unexpected, unique relationship that cuts deep, especially for Lawrence’s own, Johnny’s Tavern.

“Lawrence is just a very welcoming community. We welcome people from all different walks of life,” said Johns. Show them‌ what it means to be a Lawrenceian, and learn what it means to be an Algerian. I've definitely had to look up where Algeria is on a map. I'm sure I was not, I was not alone in that.”

On the flip side, Argentina is led by superstar forward Lionel Messi, a player so globally famous that even baby goats in KC carry on his legacy.

Messi the goat is about a month old and not very big according to the owner of Goats Gone Green, the company providing goats to graze on invasive weeds along the Heritage Riverfront Trail.

What is big is Tuesday’s Group J match. Which begs the question: who exactly do people in the region root for?

One thing is certain - KC’s first World Cup match will be an experience these two cities will never forget.