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Lionel Messi won't start Argentina's group finale, but World Cup scoring record holder could sub in
By Stephen Hawkins, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC)
· June 26, 2026
· 3 min read
Lionel Messi, the top scorer in World Cup history, will not start when defending tournament champion and Group J winner Argentina plays Jordan on Saturday night in its last match before the knockout stage. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Friday, two days after Messi's 39th birthday, that the ...
Key takeaway Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Friday, two days after Messi's 39th birthday, that the team's captain will begin the match on the bench, but also indicated through an interpreter that he “will come in a little bit later.
Why this matters in Magnolia News
As Argentina prepares to face Jordan at the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, local soccer fans in the Houston area are likely to be watching with great interest. With Lionel Messi, the World Cup's top scorer, expected to come in off the bench, the match could be a unique opportunity for fans to see the legendary player in action. Given Messi's recent minor hamstring injury, his playing time will be closely watched, especially with the knockout round beginning next Friday in South Florida. The fact that Argentina's group finale is being played in the Dallas Cowboys' stadium, just a few hours from Houston, makes this match a significant event for local soccer enthusiasts. As the World Cup progresses, Houstonians will be keeping a close eye on Messi and Argentina's journey, and this match could be a pivotal moment in their campaign.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Magnolia News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? Lionel Messi, the top scorer in World Cup history, will not start when defending tournament champion and Group J winner Argentina plays Jordan on Saturday night in its last match before the knockout stage. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Friday, two days after Messi's 39th birthday, that the ...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 26, 2026 by KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for Magnolia News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Stephen Hawkins, Associated Press at KPRC 2 Houston / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Magnolia News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Magnolia News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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