Messi’s Final World Cup: Argentina Dominates Jordan in Group J

Every time Lionel Messi steps onto a World Cup pitch today, the moment feels like a rare privilege. At 38 years old, in what is almost certainly his sixth and final World Cup appearance, the greatest player in the history of football is not merely participating—he is delivering a masterclass. Tonight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Argentina concludes their group stage campaign against Jordan. While the matchup appears to be a foregone conclusion on paper, any contest involving Messi transcends simple formality.

The match kicks off at 10 p.m. ET. Canadian fans can watch the action live on TSN and CTV.

Argentina’s Ruthless Dominance in Group J

The defending world champions have been absolutely ruthless throughout Group J. Their campaign began with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria, followed immediately by a disciplined 2-0 win against Austria. Both matches ended with clean sheets, and Argentina controlled the flow from the opening whistle to the final minute. The central narrative of both victories has been Messi, who has scored every single one of Argentina’s five goals in this tournament so far. Even at 38, with 116 international goals to his name, he is not slowing down; he is accelerating his performance.

Argentina has already secured their place in the round of 32 as group winners, meaning tonight’s match is technically a dead rubber. However, head coach Lionel Scaloni faces a genuine dilemma: should he rest his key players to ensure freshness for the knockout rounds, or allow Messi and his teammates to add to their already historic goal tallies?

Jordan’s Historic First World Cup Journey Ends

For Jordan, this match marks the closing 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 the entire nation into a state of rapturous celebration. They competed with honesty in Group J, scoring twice across their two previous matches, but defeats to both Austria and Algeria have ended any hope of advancing further.

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

The Critical Question of Messi’s Participation

The primary talking point heading into tonight is straightforward: will Scaloni start Messi? With the knockout stage beginning on Sunday, Argentina’s priority is freshness and fitness. Their likely round of 32 opponent will come 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 Jordan side would be a gamble few coaches would take.

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

Why Canadian Fans Should Tune In

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

Then there is the pure theatre of the event. Messi at a World Cup, on a warm Texas night, inside 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.

Three Key Reasons to Watch the Match

For those wondering if this final group stage match is worth staying up for, consider these three definitive reasons:

1. Messi’s Historic Legacy: This is the last group stage match of Lionel Messi’s World Cup life, offering a chance to witness one of the greatest players in history before he potentially exits the tournament stage.
2. Scouting for Canada: Canadian fans can gain critical insights into Argentina’s tactical setup and player fitness, which is essential preparation if Canada faces them in the upcoming knockout rounds.
3. Theatrical Magnitude: The atmosphere of a sold-out Texas stadium on a warm night, combined with the emotional weight of Messi’s final performance, creates a viewing experience that is rare and unforgettable.

This match represents the final group stage step in Lionel Messi’s World Cup journey. It is absolutely worth staying up to watch.