Argentina Prepares for FIFA World Cup 2026 Final Group Stage Match Against Jordan

Argentina is set to play Jordan in their last group stage match of the FIFA World Cup 2026. With Lionel Messi not starting, fans can expect him to come off the bench. Argentina has already qualified for the knockout stage, allowing them to rest key players. Messi has been instrumental in their success, scoring all five goals for the team so far. This match serves as a crucial preparation before they face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 28, 2026, 07:25 IST

Argentina's Final Group Stage Match

Argentina is gearing up to face Jordan in their last group stage match of the FIFA World Cup 2026 at Dallas Stadium. This encounter serves as a crucial warm-up for Argentina ahead of their knockout stage opener against Cape Verde in the Round of 32. Notably, the iconic Lionel Messi, who has been pivotal in Argentina's success thus far, will not be starting this match against Jordan. However, fans need not be concerned.

Prior to the match, Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, confirmed that Messi would not be in the starting lineup against Jordan. Nevertheless, he reassured supporters that Messi would be introduced later in the match as a substitute. With Argentina already securing their place in the Round of 32 as the group leaders, the team can afford to make adjustments to their lineup and rest key players, particularly the 39-year-old Messi, to ensure he is fit for the crucial stages of the tournament.

Lionel Messi: The Driving Force Behind Argentina's Success

Argentina kicked off their World Cup journey with a commanding 3-0 win over Algeria, where Messi netted a hat trick. They followed this up with a 2-0 victory against Austria, with Messi contributing two goals. So far, Messi has scored all five of Argentina's goals in the tournament, making him the joint top scorer alongside Kylian Mbappe. Other notable players like Ousmane Dembele, Erling Haaland, and Vinicius Jr. trail with four goals each.

Throughout the tournament, Messi has set a new record, surpassing Miroslav Klose to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history, with a total of 18 goals across six tournaments. Argentina aims to make history by becoming the first team in 62 years to defend their title successfully.

Argentina's starting lineup includes Emiliano Martínez; Giovanni Simeone, Nicolas Otamendi, Marcos Senesi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Exequiel Palacios, Leandro Paredes, Giovanni Lo Celso; Nico Paz; Julián Álvarez, and Lautaro Martínez.