Can Messi Lead Argentina to Another Historic Win Against Jordan?

Every appearance Lionel Messi makes at a World Cup now feels like a rare gift. At 38 years old, in what is almost certainly his final tournament, the greatest footballer in history isn’t just participating—he’s delivering a masterclass. Tonight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Argentina completes their group stage matchup against Jordan. While the result seems predetermined on paper, Messi’s involvement ensures no match is ever merely routine.

The game begins at 10 p.m. ET. Canadian viewers can tune in on TSN and CTV.

Argentina’s Dominance in Group J

The defending champions have been ruthless throughout Group J. Their campaign opened with a decisive 3-0 victory over Algeria, followed by a controlled 2-0 win against Austria. Both matches featured clean sheets and complete control from the first minute to the last. The standout performer in both games has been Messi, who has scored all five of Argentina’s goals in this tournament so far.

Despite his age, Messi shows no signs of slowing down. With 116 international goals to his name, he is actually accelerating his performance. Argentina has already secured a spot in the round of 32 as group winners, making this final group match technically a dead rubber. However, coach Lionel Scaloni faces a genuine dilemma:

• Rest key players ahead of the intense knockout rounds
• Allow Messi and teammates to add to their historic goal tallies

Jordan’s Prideful World Cup Journey Ends

For Jordan, this match marks the conclusion of a landmark chapter in their football history. Al-Nashama, known as “The Brave Ones,” qualified for their first-ever World Cup by defeating Oman 3-0 in June 2025, a result that sent their entire nation into celebration. They competed with honesty in Group J, scoring twice across two matches, but defeats to both Austria and Algeria ended any hopes of advancement.

They arrive at AT&T Stadium with only pride and history to defend. Captain Musa Al-Taamari, who plays club soccer at Rennes, will lead the attack one final time. For Jordan, simply delivering a respectable performance against the reigning champions on the world’s biggest stage is itself a victory.

Comparing the Teams’ Group J Performance

Team	Matches Played	Goals Scored	Clean Sheets	Result
Argentina	2	5	2	Group Winners
Jordan	2	2	0	Eliminated
Austria	2	3	1	Eliminated
Algeria	2	1	0	Eliminated

The Messi Question for Scaloni

The central talking point heading into tonight is straightforward: does Scaloni start Messi? With the knockout stage beginning Sunday, Argentina’s priority is freshness and fitness. Their likely round of 32 opponent comes from Group H—a bracket including Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia. Risking Messi’s 38-year-old legs against an already-eliminated side would be a gamble few coaches would take.

The expectation is a partial appearance—a start or a cameo—giving Messi enough runway to maintain his record-breaking momentum while limiting his minutes. Even at half throttle, he remains the most dangerous player on the pitch.

Why Canadian Fans Should Watch

Beyond the Messi spectacle, there’s a broader reason to tune in: Argentina is the team Canada could eventually face deep in this tournament. Observing how Scaloni manages squad rotation, which players look sharp, and how the backline holds up even against modest opposition provides valuable scouting for what could come later in July.

Then there’s the pure theatre of the moment. Messi at a World Cup, on a warm Texas night, in a sold-out stadium of 80,000 roaring fans. Whether he plays 10 minutes or 90, every touch carries the weight of a career that may never be replicated.

This is the final group stage match of Lionel Messi’s World Cup life. It’s worth staying up for.