As reigning champions Argentina national football team began their World Cup title defence on Tuesday, supporters turned out in extraordinary numbers, spending heavily and travelling thousands of miles to follow their team.

For many fans, distance, cost and exhaustion were no barrier. Three supporters cycled nearly 17,700 kilometres from South America to Kansas City without even having match tickets. Others drove for about 20 hours, surviving on simple meals to cut expenses.

One long-time supporter, 73-year-old Daniel Otero, said he is attending his seventh World Cup and is spending nearly $100,000 to watch Argentina across the tournament with his two sons.

“We are crazy for Argentina,” he said. “That’s why we spend so much money to see our national team.”

Their dedication was rewarded as Argentina opened its campaign with a dominant 3-0 win over Algeria. Star forward Lionel Messi scored all three goals, further fuelling excitement that this may be his final World Cup appearance as he turns 39 next week.

Fans compared Argentina’s global following to iconic sports dynasties. One supporter said the team’s popularity with Messi is similar to the Chicago Bulls era led by Michael Jordan, noting the striker’s worldwide influence.

Many travelling fans said they are following the team across multiple matches, with some estimating costs of tens of thousands of dollars for the journey.

Supporters also expressed admiration for Messi’s long-standing impact on the national team, with many saying they cannot imagine Argentina without him.

In and around the stadium, the atmosphere reflected deep emotional connection to the team. Fans waved flags, wore Messi jerseys and gathered around a travelling supporters’ band known as ‘Los Sin Entradas’, which performed outside the venue with drums and banners declaring “I love you, Lio.”

An 11-year-old fan from Miami, whose family has Argentine roots, said he feels closely connected to the country because of Messi and regularly travels there to visit relatives.

The group of travelling musicians said they plan to follow Argentina to upcoming matches in Dallas and beyond, depending on where the team advances.

Local organisers in Kansas City said they have been impressed by the extreme lengths fans have gone to attend matches, including cyclists who arrived without tickets but were later helped by locals to secure entry.

Many other supporters arrived days in advance, some driving long distances and staying in budget accommodation to afford tickets, which can cost hundreds of dollars.

One fan, who was born in Argentina but now lives in the United States, said attending the World Cup felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, especially with Argentina holding the title.

“We’re the last champions,” she said, describing the emotional pull of watching her national team on football’s biggest stage.