Argentine fans bring asado culture to Kansas City ahead of World Cup Group J opener against Algeria

Argentina fans have flooded Kansas City ahead of the reigning world champions’ opening World Cup Group J fixture against Algeria on Tuesday night, bringing their asado culture with them — and finding a city with plenty of grilling credentials of its own.

Lines stretched out the door at Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que, a local institution housed in a gas station on the Kansas-Missouri border that counts the late Anthony Bourdain among its celebrity admirers. General Manager Victor Brummel said the surge in World Cup visitors has been a significant boost for the business. “To be able to be on the world stage here means a lot to the people who are in Kansas City, and they’re getting into the soccer spirit just as much,” he said.

In a city home to more than 100 barbecue restaurants, Brummel was happy to make the case for the local style. “We don’t need to sauce anything up too much. We like to taste the meat, and we like to let it speak for itself,” he explained.

For Argentine supporters, however, asado — grilled meat shared over cold beer — is woven into national identity as tightly as football itself. That loyalty was on full display Monday evening as fans gathered for a meat-filled party at Mill Creek Park.

Fan Alejandro Cuenca, sampling Joe’s menu, was diplomatic but firm: “Nothing compares to a good Argentine barbecue. I wouldn’t miss an Argentine barbecue for anything.” He paused before adding, “But this one is very good.”

The concession appeared to be a common one among visiting supporters. Cristian Gastes, queuing for Joe’s famed brisket, offered a similar verdict: “The Argentine barbecue is my favourite, but this one is really good.” His son Roman kept it simpler — “Amazing.”

With white-and-blue jerseys now a familiar sight across the city, Argentina face Algeria on Tuesday before completing Group J against Austria and tournament debutants Jordan.