Jordan vs Argentina: Messi benched as Argentina tip 3-0 win
Argentina are heavy favorites to beat eliminated Jordan in their World Cup 2026 Group J finale at AT&T Stadium in Dallas on Sunday. TNT Sports predicts a 3-0 Argentina win, while Lionel Messi will start on the bench as coach Lionel Scaloni rotates his squad ahead of the knockouts.
Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi will not start for Argentina but is expected to play in the second half, per Lionel Scaloni.
- TNT Sports tips Jordan 0-3 Argentina in a dead-rubber Group J match at AT&T Stadium, Arlington.
- Argentina have already won Group J; Jordan are out after two defeats.
- Bookmakers price Argentina at 1/6 to win; MrFixitsTips backs Argentina win and over 2.5 goals.
- It is the first-ever meeting between Jordan and Argentina at senior level.
The Jordan vs Argentina clash kicks off at 3:00am BST on Sunday 28 June (9:00pm local on Saturday) at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Argentina arrive with six points from two wins and zero goals conceded. Jordan, making their World Cup debut, are already eliminated from Group J.
Why is Lionel Messi not starting against Jordan?
Argentina boss Lionel Scaloni confirmed Messi will begin on the bench for the final group game. The 39-year-old has scored all five of Argentina's goals at this tournament, including a hat-trick against Algeria and a brace against Austria that broke Miroslav Klose's World Cup scoring record.
Scaloni told reporters: "Leo is going to start on the bench and will come on a little later. I will tell you because you deserve a sincere answer." Argentina have secured top spot in Group J, giving Scaloni freedom to rest key players before the knockout stage. Left-back Nicolas Tagliafico said Messi looks "at the same level as he was in 2022 or even better."
What are the Jordan vs Argentina betting odds?
Argentina are clear favorites despite expected rotation. MrFixitsTips reports bet365 pricing the reigning champions at 1/6 to win, with Jordan at 14/1 and the draw at 7/1. Messi is 8/11 to score his sixth goal of the group stage, though his bench role may affect that market.
TNT Sports' Matthew Cooper predicts Jordan 0-3 Argentina. MrFixitsTips' expert tip is Argentina to win and over 2.5 goals, citing 3.98 expected goals in their model. Argentina to win to nil pays 8/11 at bet365, per MrFixitsTips. For context on long-shot World Cup shocks, browse our Bizarre News & Florida Man coverage.
Can Jordan pull off a shock win in Dallas?
History says no. This is the first senior meeting between the nations. Jordan were competitive in a 3-1 loss to Austria on matchday one and took the lead against Algeria before losing 2-1, but they remain without a point. MrFixitsTips puts Jordan's win probability at just 3.9% on neutral ground, with 512 Elo rating points separating the sides.
Jordan have no fresh injury concerns, while Christian Romero is set to miss out for Argentina after picking up a knock. Jamal Sellami's side will play for pride in their final World Cup appearance. Even without Messi from the start, Argentina's depth — including Julian Alvarez, Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez — should be too strong.
Scaloni's rotation makes this more than a routine group-stage stroll, but the form book still points one way. As The Mirror reported, Argentina's group is won and Messi's minutes will be managed — not because of injury, but with an eye on what comes next.