Every time Lionel Messi steps onto a World Cup pitch these days, it feels like a privilege. At 38 years old, in what is almost certainly his final World Cup, the greatest player in the history of the game is not just showing up — he is putting on a clinic. Tonight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Argentina wrap up their group stage against Jordan in what is, on paper, a foregone conclusion. But when Messi is involved, no match is ever just a formality.
Kick off is at 10 p.m. ET. Canadians can watch on TSN and CTV.
The Unstoppable Rise of Argentina in Group J
The defending world champions have been ruthless in Group J. They opened with a 3-0 win over Algeria, then followed it up with a 2-0 victory over Austria — both clean sheets, both controlled from start to finish. The story of both matches has been Messi, who has scored all five of Argentina’s goals at this tournament so far. At 38, with 116 international goals to his name, he is not slowing down. He is accelerating.
Argentina are already through to the round of 32 as group winners, meaning tonight is technically a dead rubber. But coach Lionel Scaloni faces a genuine dilemma: rest his key players ahead of the knockout rounds, or let Messi and company add to their already historic tallies.
Jordan’s Landmark Journey Ends with Pride
For Jordan, this match marks the close of a landmark chapter. Al-Nashama — “The Brave Ones” — qualified for their first-ever World Cup by beating Oman 3-0 in June 2025, a result that sent an entire nation into raptures. They have competed honestly in Group J, scoring twice across two matches, but defeats to both Austria and Algeria have ended any hope of advancement.
They arrive at AT&T Stadium with nothing but pride and history on the line. Captain Musa Al-Taamari, who plays his club soccer at Rennes, will lead the attack one final time. For Jordan, just putting in a respectable performance against the reigning champions on the biggest stage in the world is itself a win.
Will Scaloni Start Messi Tonight?
The real talking point heading into tonight is simple: 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 that includes 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 keep his record-breaking momentum going while limiting his minutes. Even at half throttle, he is the most dangerous player on the pitch.
Why This Match Matters Beyond the Scoreline
Beyond the Messi spectacle, there is a broader reason to tune in: Argentina are the team Canada could eventually face deep in this tournament. Watching how Scaloni manages his squad rotation, which players look sharp, and how the backline holds up even against modest opposition is valuable scouting for what could come later in July.
And then there is the pure theatre of it. Messi at a World Cup, on a warm Texas night, with a sold-out stadium of 80,000 roaring. Whether he plays 10 minutes or 90, every touch carries the weight of a career that may never be replicated.
This is the last group stage match of Lionel Messi’s World Cup life. Worth staying up for.
