Lionel Messi and Argentina are back in Kansas City.The defending World Cup champions arrived at their hotel on the Berkley Riverfront late Tuesday evening, just hours after Argentina defeated Egypt to advance to Saturday night’s match against Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium.Argentina fans were there to welcome the team back, continuing the warm reception they have given Messi and company throughout the World Cup.But they were not the only fans getting ready.Members of the Kansas City Swiss Society also gathered Tuesday, celebrating Switzerland’s run and playing an alphorn as excitement builds for the matchup.John Knechtenhofer, a Switzerland fan, said the moment is meaningful for the local Swiss community.“For us to win this game is quite special and brings the Swiss society and all of the Swiss together,” he said.Sarah Knechtenhofer said seeing Kansas City and Switzerland come together has been special.“It’s very exciting. Kansas City is very near and dear to my heart as is the Kansas City Swiss Society, so to have both of them come together and celebrate the country and cheer them on, I’m just so excited to see it come to fruition,” she said.Argentina previously played in Kansas City during the group stage, when Messi scored a hat trick in a 3-0 win.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. —

Lionel Messi and Argentina are back in Kansas City.

The defending World Cup champions arrived at their hotel on the Berkley Riverfront late Tuesday evening, just hours after Argentina defeated Egypt to advance to Saturday night’s match against Switzerland at Arrowhead Stadium.

Argentina fans were there to welcome the team back, continuing the warm reception they have given Messi and company throughout the World Cup.

But they were not the only fans getting ready.

Members of the Kansas City Swiss Society also gathered Tuesday, celebrating Switzerland’s run and playing an alphorn as excitement builds for the matchup.

John Knechtenhofer, a Switzerland fan, said the moment is meaningful for the local Swiss community.

“For us to win this game is quite special and brings the Swiss society and all of the Swiss together,” he said.

Sarah Knechtenhofer said seeing Kansas City and Switzerland come together has been special.

“It’s very exciting. Kansas City is very near and dear to my heart as is the Kansas City Swiss Society, so to have both of them come together and celebrate the country and cheer them on, I’m just so excited to see it come to fruition,” she said.

Argentina previously played in Kansas City during the group stage, when Messi scored a hat trick in a 3-0 win.