Videos circulating ahead of the match showed Lionel Messi putting in an intensive gym session, making clear he intends to play Argentina vs Jordan in the final Group J game on Saturday 27 June at AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas — even though Argentina are already through. (Al Jazeera)
Why Messi insists on playing
Reports had suggested coach Scaloni might rest Messi for this dead-rubber fixture, with Argentina sitting top on 6 points and a +5 goal difference. But according to TNT Sports, Messi himself asked to play. Jordan, bottom with zero points and zero goals, cannot progress — so Argentina face little pressure. Yet for Messi, every game is a game to play. (ESPN)
Messi's record-breaking form
Messi enters this match leading the Golden Boot race with 5 goals, having become the all-time World Cup top scorer (18 goals) with his brace against Austria. Six World Cups in, and he keeps writing history. (Goal)
Jordan's chance
With Argentina relaxed and potentially rotating, Jordan have a narrow window. Coach Hossam Hassan will want his side to exit the tournament with something — a point, a goal, a moment. The teams have never met before: a World Cup debut against the world champions is something no one in that squad will forget.
- Date: Saturday 27 June 2026
- Venue: AT&T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
- Group J: Argentina 1st (6 pts), Jordan last (0 pts)
Our call: Messi plays and extends his Golden Boot lead. Argentina manage the game without overexerting. Jordan will chase a historic first goal — and the Arab world will be watching.
Follow Malaab Al-An for live coverage of Argentina vs Jordan at the 2026 World Cup.