Every time Lionel Messi steps onto a World Cup pitch in 2026, it feels like a rare privilege. At 38 years old, in what is almost certainly his final tournament, the greatest player in football history isn’t just attending—he’s delivering a masterclass. Tonight at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Argentina will face Jordan to close out Group J, a match that, on paper, seems like a foregone conclusion. But when Messi is involved, no game is ever merely a formality.

The match kicks off at 10 p.m. ET. Canadian viewers can watch the action on TSN and CTV.

Argentina’s Ruthless Dominance in Group J

The defending world champions have been savage in Group J, controlling every match from start to finish. They began with a 3-0 victory over Algeria, where Messi scored a hat trick, and followed with a 2-0 win against Austria, adding two more goals to his tally. Both matches ended with clean sheets, and Messi was the undeniable story—he scored all five of Argentina’s goals in this tournament so far.

At 38 years old, with 116 international goals to his name, Messi is not slowing down. He is accelerating. His World Cup goal record now stands at 18, making him the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.

• Argentina has already secured top spot in Group J and advanced to the round of 32 as group winners.
• Their next opponent will be the second-placed team from Group H, which includes Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia.
• Coach Lionel Scaloni faces a real dilemma: rest key players for the knockout rounds or let Messi continue building his historic records.

Tonight’s match is technically a dead rubber, but the coaching decision remains critical. Will Scaloni rest his stars, or allow Messi to add to his legacy on the biggest stage?

Jordan’s Historic First World Cup Chapter Ends

For Jordan, this match marks the conclusion of a landmark achievement. Al-Nashama—“The Brave Ones”—qualified for their first-ever World Cup by defeating Oman 3-0 in June 2025, a result that sent their entire nation into celebration. They competed honestly in Group J, scoring twice across two matches, but defeats to Austria and Algeria ended their hopes of advancement.

Now at AT&T Stadium, they carry only pride and history. Captain Musa Al-Taamari, who plays for Rennes, will lead the attack one final time. For Jordan, delivering a respectable performance against the reigning champions is itself a victory.

The Messi Allocation Debate

The central question heading into tonight is straightforward: will 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 start or a cameo—giving Messi enough runway to maintain his record-breaking momentum while limiting his minutes. Even at half throttle, he remains the most dangerous player on the pitch.

Why Canadians Should Tune In

Beyond the Messi spectacle, there’s a strategic reason to watch: Argentina is the team Canada could eventually face deep in this tournament. By observing how Scaloni manages squad rotation, which players look sharp, and how the backline holds up even against modest opposition, Canadians gain valuable scouting insights for what could come later in July.

Then there’s the pure theatre: 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’s worth staying up for.