Every time Lionel Messi steps onto a World Cup pitch, it feels like a privilege for the entire football world. At 38 years old, in what is almost certainly his final World Cup, the greatest player in the history of the game is not merely participating—he is delivering a masterclass. Tonight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Argentina will close out their group stage matchup against Jordan in a contest that, on paper, appears to be a foregone conclusion. Yet when Messi is involved, no match is ever simply a formality. The kickoff is set for 10 p.m. ET, and Canadians can watch the broadcast on TSN and CTV.
Argentina’s Ruthless Dominance in Group J
The defending world champions have been utterly ruthless throughout Group J. They opened their campaign with a commanding 3-0 victory over Algeria, followed by a disciplined 2-0 triumph against Austria—both matches ending in clean sheets and controlled from the opening whistle to the final minute. The story of both matches has been undeniably 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 is not slowing down. Instead, he is accelerating. Argentina has already secured a spot in the round of 32 as group winners, meaning tonight’s match is technically a dead rubber. However, coach Lionel Scaloni faces a genuine dilemma: rest his key players ahead of the knockout rounds, or allow Messi and his teammates to add to their already historic tallies.
Jordan’s Landmark World Cup Journey Concludes
For Jordan, this match marks the close of a landmark chapter in their football history. 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 an entire nation into rapturous celebration. They have competed with honesty throughout 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.
The Critical Question: Will Messi Play?
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—a 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 This Match Matters for Canadian Fans
Beyond the Messi spectacle, there is a broader reason for Canadian fans 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 is 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. It is worth staying up for.