As the defending champions Argentina face Jordan in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match on June 27 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, the spotlight falls on Lionel Messi's involvement.
With qualification already secured as group winners, coach Lionel Scaloni has prioritized squad management over a full-strength lineup.
Argentina have already qualified for the Round of 32 after winning the first two group stage matches. They defeated Algeria 3-0, with Messi scoring a hat-trick, and beat Austria 2-0, where he added a brace. These performances made him the tournament's leading scorer with five goals and the all-time World Cup goalscorer with 18. Jordan, making their World Cup debut, have been eliminated after losses to Austria and Algeria.
Will Lionel Messi play against Jordan?
Lionel Messi is unlikely to start against Jordan. Argentina coach Scaloni confirmed Messi will start on the bench but is expected to enter as a substitute, likely in the second half.
The 39-year-old captain, who recently celebrated his birthday and recovered from a minor muscle issue, wants minutes to maintain sharpness and rhythm ahead of the knockout stage. An 11-day layoff before the Round of 32 could dull his edge, so a cameo offers valuable game time without excessive risk.
Messi's potential impact remains immense. Even limited minutes could extend his Golden Boot chase or provide moments of magic. Argentina enter as heavy favorites, likely to win comfortably while resting key starters. In Messi's absence, Thiago Almada may lead the line for Los Albicelestes.
Argentina will be up against Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on July 3, and are set to play either Australia or Egypt if they advance to the Round of 16 stages.
