JordanvsArgentina

Messi's Houston swansong?

Lionel Messi turns 39 three weeks before this match. Houston’s NRG Stadium – where he scored a hat-trick in a 2023 friendly – could host his final World Cup group stage appearance. Jordan’s defense, anchored by Al-Ramtha’s Yazan Al-Arab, must contain a side that put four past them in a 2014 friendly. Scaloni may rotate after securing progression, but Argentina’s depth (Thiago Almada, Alejandro Garnacho) ensures firepower.

Jordan’s CONCACAF prep gamble

Jordan scheduled friendlies against Costa Rica and Panama to simulate Argentina’s style – a risky move given their thin squad. Coach Hussein Amouta relies on Mousa Al-Taamari’s Montpellier form to exploit Argentina’s high defensive line. Their 1-0 win over South Korea in qualifying suggests they can park the bus, but Houston’s 3pm heat (avg 34°C) tests Middle Eastern conditioning.

Third-place permutations

A Jordan loss likely eliminates them unless other groups collapse. Argentina topping Group J avoids a Round of 32 clash with Germany or Brazil. Watch for Leandro Paredes’ yellow card status – one more booking rules him out of the knockout stage opener. Jordan’s 2023 Asian Cup final run proves they thrive as underdogs, but this is a different beast.

Related matches

• Argentina vs Algeria — Wed, Jun 17, 2026 · 02:00 ET
• Argentina vs Austria — Mon, Jun 22, 2026 · 18:00 ET
• Jordan vs Algeria — Tue, Jun 23, 2026 · 04:00 ET