When Lionel Messi steps onto a World Cup pitch lately, it feels like a rare gift. At 38 years old, in what is almost certainly his last tournament, the greatest player in football history isn’t just competing—he’s teaching a masterclass. Tonight, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Argentina will close out their Group J campaign against Jordan. On paper, it’s a mismatch. But when Messi is involved, nothing is ever just a formality.
The match kicks off at 10 p.m. ET. Canadian fans can watch on TSN and CTV.
Argentina’s Dominance in Group J Is Unmatched
The defending world champions have been ruthless in Group J. They started with a 3-0 win over Algeria, then followed it with a 2-0 victory against Austria—both games ending with clean sheets and total control. The story of both matches has been Messi, who has scored all five of Argentina’s goals at this tournament so far. At 38, with 116 international goals to his name, he isn’t slowing down. He’s accelerating.
Argentina has already secured their spot in the round of 32 as group winners, making tonight technically a dead rubber. But coach Lionel Scaloni faces a real dilemma: rest key players for the knockout rounds, or let Messi and his teammates add to their historic tallies.
- Messi has scored all five Argentina goals in Group J
- Argentina secured top spot with two straight wins
- Scaloni must decide: rest stars or let them play
Jordan’s Historic Debut Ends on a Bitter Note
For Jordan, this match marks the end of a landmark chapter. Al-Nashama, meaning “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 competed honestly in Group J, scoring twice across two matches, but defeats to both Austria and Algeria ended any hope of advancement.
Arriving at AT&T Stadium, Jordan has only pride and history on the line. Captain Musa Al-Taamari, who plays for Rennes, will lead the attack one final time. For Jordan, even a respectable performance against the reigning champions on the world’s biggest stage is itself a win.
The Messi Question: Start Him or Rest Him?
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.
The expectation is a partial appearance—either a brief start or a cameo—giving Messi enough runway to keep his record-breaking momentum going while 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’s a broader reason for Canadian fans to watch: Argentina is the team Canada could eventually face deep in this tournament. Watching how Scaloni manages 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.
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.
