When Lionel Messi steps onto a World Cup field today, it feels like a rare privilege. At 38, in what is almost certainly his last World Cup, the greatest player in football history isn’t just participating—he’s delivering a masterclass. Tonight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Argentina completes its group stage run against Jordan, a match that seems predetermined on paper. Yet when Messi is involved, nothing is ever just a formality.
The game kicks off at 10 p.m. ET. Canadians can watch on TSN and CTV.
Argentina Dominates Group J Without Hesitation
The defending champions have been unstoppable in Group J. Their campaign began with a 3-0 win over Algeria, followed by a 2-0 shutout against Austria—both matches marked by clean sheets and total control. The story of both games has been Messi, who has scored all five of Argentina’s goals so far in this tournament. At 38 years old, with 116 international goals to his name, he isn’t fading. He’s accelerating.
Argentina has already secured its spot in the round of 32 as group winners, meaning tonight is technically a dead rubber. Still, coach Lionel Scaloni faces a real dilemma:
- Rest his key players to preserve freshness for the knockout rounds
- Or let Messi and his teammates add to their historical goal totals
Jordan’s Historic Debut Ends With Pride
For Jordan, this match closes a landmark chapter in their football history. Al-Nashama—meaning “The Brave Ones”—qualified for their first-ever World Cup by beating Oman 3-0 in June 2025, a result that sent the entire nation into celebration. They competed with honesty in Group J, scoring twice across two matches, but losses to Austria and Algeria ended any chance of advancement.
They arrive at AT&T Stadium with only pride and history on the line. Captain Musa Al-Taamari, who plays club soccer at Rennes, will lead the attack one final time. For Jordan, simply putting in a respectable performance against the reigning champions on the world’s biggest stage is itself a victory.
The Critical Messi Question
The biggest talking point before tonight is simple: does Scaloni start Messi? With the knockout stage beginning Sunday, Argentina’s priority is freshness. 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—either a start or a cameo—giving Messi enough runway to keep his record-breaking momentum while limiting his minutes. Even at half throttle, he remains the most dangerous player on the pitch.
Why This Match Matters for Canadian Fans
Beyond the Messi spectacle, there’s a broader reason for Canadians to tune in. Argentina is the team Canada could eventually face deep in this tournament. Watching how Scaloni manages squad rotation, which players look sharp, and how the backline holds up—even against modest opposition—offers valuable scouting data for what could come later in July.
And then there’s the pure theater: 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 journey. It’s worth staying up for.
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