Every time Lionel Messi steps onto a World Cup field these days, it feels like a rare privilege. At 38 years old, in what is almost certainly his last World Cup, the greatest player in the history of the sport is not just participating — he is delivering a masterclass. Tonight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Argentina finish their group stage against Jordan in what appears to be a foregone conclusion. Yet when Messi is involved, no match is ever merely a formality.
The game begins at 10 p.m. ET. Canadians can watch on TSN and CTV.
Argentina has been utterly dominant in Group J, moving with ruthless efficiency. They opened with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, then secured a 2-0 win against Austria — both matches featuring clean sheets and total control from start to finish. Messi has been the driving force, scoring all five of Argentina’s goals in this tournament so far. At 38, with 116 international goals to his name, he is not slowing down; he is accelerating. Argentina has already secured their spot in the round of 32 as group winners, making tonight technically a dead rubber. However, coach Lionel Scaloni faces a genuine dilemma: rest his key players for the knockout rounds or allow Messi and his teammates to add to their historic totals.
For Jordan, this match represents the close of a landmark chapter. Al-Nashama, meaning “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 raptures. They have competed with honesty in Group J, scoring twice across two matches, but losses 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 club soccer at Rennes, will lead the attack one final time. For Jordan, simply putting in a respectable performance against the reigning champions on the biggest stage in the world is itself a win.
The real talking point heading into tonight is straightforward: 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.
Beyond the Messi spectacle, there is 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 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.