When Lionel Messi steps onto a World Cup pitch these days, it feels like a moment we should all cherish. At 38 years old, in what is almost certainly his last tournament, the most decorated player in football history isn’t just participating—he’s dominating. Tonight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Argentina closes out their group stage clash with Jordan. On paper, it’s a foregone conclusion. But with Messi involved, no game is ever truly just a formality.
The match kicks off at 10 p.m. ET. Canadian fans can watch on TSN and CTV.
Argentina’s Group J Dominance Is Unmatched
Argentina, the defending world champions, have been utterly ruthless in Group J. They opened with a 3-0 win over Algeria, then followed with a 2-0 victory over Austria—both clean sheets, both controlled from start to finish. Messi has been the story of both matches, scoring all five of Argentina’s goals so far in this tournament. At 38, with 116 international goals to his name, he’s not slowing down. He’s accelerating.
Argentina has already secured a spot in 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 his teammates add to their already historic tallies.
Jordan’s First World Cup Chapter Ends Here
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’ve 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.
Key Questions About Messi’s Role
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.
Here are the key possibilities for Messi’s involvement:
- A full start with limited minutes
- A late cameo appearance to close the game
- A complete rest to preserve fitness
The expectation is a partial appearance—giving Messi enough runway to keep his record-breaking momentum going while limiting his minutes. Even at half throttle, he’s the most dangerous player on the pitch.
Why This Match Matters for Canadian Fans
Beyond the Messi spectacle, there’s a broader reason to tune in: Argentina is 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’s 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.
