6' - GOAL DISALLOWED! Lo Celso scores, but the flag is up for offside! It's a brilliant team move from Argentina, but the midfielder just timed his run a fraction too early there. Julian Alvarez unpicked the defense with a sensational pass, but Lo Celso's celebrations are cut short by the linesman.

1' KICK-OFF! We are underway in Dallas! Argentina, playing in their iconic Albiceleste stripes, kick off from right to left. The headline news before the whistle is staggering: Lionel Messi starts a World Cup match on the bench for the first time since that infamous 2006 quarterfinal exit against Germany. History being made in Texas tonight!

The national anthems are over and it's time for the on-field action to begin. Without Messi, a different strategy could be adopted by Argentina. They have two No. 9s in their starting XIs in the form of Alvarez and Martinez. Remember, no one has scored for Argentina yet in this World Cup, barring Messi.

We are just minutes away from kick-off as Argentina and Jordan players arrive in the middle. It's national anthem time for both teams before the on-field action begins!

As Group J winners, Argentina's path is set for a Round of 32 knockout clash against Cape Verde at Miami Stadium on Friday, 3 July. Cape Verde have scripted history at this World Cup already by qualifying for the knockouts. Would they able to continued their fairytale run?

Argentina fans have taken over Dallas. What a stunning visual!

Argentine fans just took over Dallas again! Drums banging, flags flying, streets turned into one massive party

The Messi & Argentina National Team effect is unreal . pic.twitter.com/NvNIFPcmXG

— Johnny Cortes (@johnnycortes) June 27, 2026

Meanwhile, Portugal have been held to a 0-0 draw against Colombia in their final Group K match. As a result, they finish runners-up. The result means Portugal and Argentina cannot face each other until the final of the World Cup. No Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo until the final. 

Lionel Messi masterclasses was required in Argentina's both group game so far. The legendary No. 10 helped his team beat Algeria 3-0 in their opener by scoring a hat-trick before they dispatched Austria 2-0. Can Argentina deliver without Messi?

Jordan, who are ranked 72 in the world, have managed to score in both games so far. But, getting the ball past Emi Martinez isn't the easiest of tasks. Argentina's defence has been leak proof for a while now. Jordan would have to pull out a bunny from their hat if they plan to inflict any damage to the Argentina defence.

Lionel Messi has arrived. He is expected to feature in the second half at some point in the game. 

 Leo Messi arrives and starts on the bench against Jordan.

He’s expected to enter in the second half. pic.twitter.com/PO0yqLrmWB

— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 28, 2026

Argentina start with the front two of Julian Alvarez and Luataro Martinez in attack, while Lionel Messi is on the bench. Here are the starting XIs:

Argentina Starting XI: Martinez, Simeone, Tagliafico, Otamendi (C), Senesi, Paredes, Palacios, Lo Celso, Paz, Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez

Jordan Starting XI: Abulaila, Abu Dahab, Abu Taha, Al Arab, Al Rashdan, Al Rawabdeh, Aziazeh, Nasib, Haddad (C), Al Fakhouri, Olwan

Hello and welcome to our live coverage of Argentina's final group game of the FIFA World Cup 2026 as Lionel Messi's men take on Jordan. As was expected and confirmed by the Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi would only be on the bench as he looks to give the talismanic No. 10 some rest before the knockout stages begin.