Lionel Messi will not start in final group stage game in Arlington, will sub in
Argentina lead forward Lionel Messi will not start in his country’s final group stage match against Jordan on Saturday night at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, according to multiple reports. The World Cup’s all-time leading scorer and leading goalscorer for the 2026 tournament will be available as a substitution and is expected to make an appearance in the second half.
Despite being 38 years old, Messi has once again proven his legendary status in this tournament, leading all players with five goals. After a hat trick in Argentina’s opening match, Messi scored two goals in his first match at AT&T Stadium against Austria on June 22. He has scored all five goals for Argentina in the World Cup.
The decision by Argentina to not start Messi comes after the country secured the top spot in Group J with the win over Austria. Furthermore, Argentina already knows the date and site of its first knockout round match, as a matchup against the Cinderella of the tournament, Cape Verde, awaits on July 3 in Miami.
“Happiness,” Messi said after the June 22 win, translated from Spanish. “A lot of happiness, especially for the victory. It was a very tough match. Honestly, we knew it was going to be a match of high intensity, that we couldn’t lower our guard even a little bit because they were very intense. I’m happy for the result and the qualification.”
On the other side, Jordan doesn’t have much more to play for on Saturday night. After a 3-1 loss to Austria and a 2-1 loss to Algeria earlier in the tournament, the first-time World Cup participants have already been eliminated from advancing to the Round of 32. Saturday night’s matchup will be the final time on the pitch in the tournament for “Al-Nashama”.
Here is the full Star-Telegram coverage from Argentina’s previous win in Arlington:
- Argentina’s Lionel Messi makes World Cup history at AT&T Stadium
- Messi puts on a show, leads Argentina to convincing World Cup win over Austria
- Messi may own the world, and the World Cup, but he doesn’t own the United States
- Ex-Cowboys quarterback among celebs at Austria-Argentina FIFA World Cup match
- Argentina fans arrive at Dallas Stadium (Video)
- FIFA Fan Fest erupts to watch Lionel Messi and Argentina
The Star-Telegram will be on-site for Argentina-Jordan on Saturday night.
