Every appearance Lionel Messi makes on a World Cup field now carries the weight of history. At 38 years old, in what is almost certainly his last tournament, the sport’s greatest player is not merely participating—he is delivering a masterclass. Tonight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Argentina concludes its group stage campaign against Jordan, a matchup that appears predetermined on paper. Yet when Messi is involved, no contest becomes a simple formality.
The game begins at 10 p.m. ET. Canadian viewers can watch through TSN and CTV.
Argentina Dominates Group J with Ruthless Precision
As defending world champions, Argentina has shown no mercy in Group J. They opened with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria, followed by a controlled 2-0 win against Austria. Both matches featured clean sheets and complete dominance from start to finish. The central figure in both triumphs is Messi, who has scored all five of Argentina’s goals in this tournament. At 38, with 116 international goals already recorded, he is not diminishing—he is accelerating.
Argentina has already secured its place in the round of 32 as the group winner, making tonight technically a dead rubber. Coach Lionel Scaloni faces a genuine dilemma: rest key players for the upcoming knockout rounds or allow Messi and his teammates to further their historic totals.
Jordan’s Historic First World Cup Ends in Disappointment
For Jordan, this match marks the conclusion of a landmark chapter. 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 celebration. They competed honorably in Group J, scoring twice across two matches, but defeats to Austria and Algeria eliminated any chance of advancement.
Arriving at AT&T Stadium, Jordan brings only pride and history. Captain Musa Al-Taamari, who plays club soccer at Rennes, will lead the attack for the final time. For Jordan, delivering a respectable performance against the reigning champions on the world’s biggest stage represents a victory in itself.
Will Scaloni Start Messi Tonight?
The primary question heading into tonight is straightforward: does Scaloni start Messi? With the knockout stage beginning Sunday, Argentina prioritizes freshness and fitness. Their likely round of 32 opponent comes from Group H, which includes Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia. Risking Messi’s 38-year-old legs against an already-eliminated team 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 is a broader reason to tune in: Argentina is a 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 against modest opposition provides valuable scouting for what may come later in July.
Then there is the pure theater of the moment. 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 final group stage match of Lionel Messi’s World Cup journey. It is worth staying up for.
