Argentina are all set to take on Jordan in the final game of the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage at the Dallas Stadium. This will be an ideal preparatory
match for Argentina before they begin their journey in the knockout stage of the tournament with a match against Cape Verde in the Round of 32. However, legendary footballer and the man who has been the biggest reason for their brilliant run in the tournament, Lionel Messi, is not starting in this game against Jordan. However, this no reason to worry for fans. Before the match, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni had categorically stated that Lionel Messi would not start the match against Jordan. However, fans need not be disheartened as he also confirmed that he will be brought in later in the game as a substitute. With Argentina having already qualified for the Round of 32 as the top team of the group. This means that they could afford to make a few changes in their lineup and rest crucial players, especially a 39-year-old Lionel Messi, so that he remains fresh for the business end of the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Lionel Messi The Hero For Argentina's FIFA World Cup 2026 Campaign
Argentina started the campaign with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, with Lionel Messi scoring a hat trick. They defeated Austria 2-0 in their second game, with their captain once again scoring a brace.
Messi has scored all five goals Argentina has scored in the tournament so far. He is also the highest goal scorer with Kylian Mbappe; Ousmane Dembele, Erling Haaland, and Vinicius Jr. are second on the list with four goals each.
Through the course of the tournament, Messi broke Miroslav Klose's record for being the all-time highest goalscorer in the tournament's history. The Argentina has scored 18 goals over six editions in the the FIFA World Cup
Messi and Argentina are looking to create history and become the first team in 62 years to defend the title.
Argentina Startin
Emiliano Martínez; Giovanni Simeone, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Senesi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Exequiel Palacios, Leandro Paredes, Giovanni Lo Celso; Nico Paz; Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.
