Having already secured first place in the group, the Argentine national team will use its match against Jordan—which has already been eliminated—this Saturday to give playing time to players who haven’t seen much action in the first two matches, with Julián Álvarez, who has been at the center of controversy this week, taking center stage.
Argentina is showcasing its depth. Lionel Scaloni has already confirmed, following the victory over Austria, that he will try to give playing time—as much as possible—to those who have so far played a secondary role in the 2026 World Cup, and the final group-stage match is the perfect opportunity to do so.
Scaloni is preparing changes and finalizing the plan with Messi
With uncertainty surrounding whether Emiliano Martínez will remain the starting goalkeeper—as he could be replaced by Gerónimo Rulli or Juan Musso—Scaloni could revamp the entire defense.
With Gonzalo Montiel and Nicolás Tagliafico on the wings, after recovering from their injuries, and Nicolás Otamendi replacing the injured Cristian Romero. Marcos Senesi, who was called up at the last minute to replace Leonardo Balerdi, is expected to start as the second center back in place of Lisandro Martínez.
In midfield, Giuliano Simeone, Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios, and Nico González can give some rest to a lineup that has logged a lot of minutes, along with Julián Álvarez up front.
Then there’s the matter of Lionel Messi.
Should Scaloni take this opportunity to give him a rest, considering that he won’t play again until five days later, in the Round of 16 in Miami?
Or keep him on the team so he can continue making history, especially with Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland hot on his heels in the race for the Golden Boot? (Filed under: Argentina vs. Jordan).
Julián Álvarez: Between Controversy and His Big Break
The coach and the player might have agreed on a Solomonic solution:
Let him play, but not the whole game. It remains to be seen whether he’ll start or come off the bench.
The spotlight, however, is on Julián Álvarez, who caused a stir after stating following the match against Austria that he intended to leave Atlético Madrid to “fulfill a dream.”
His comments prompted a harsh response from the red-and-white club toward Barcelona—“he has disrespected us”—its supposed destination, and a warning to the player.
“Julián has a dream, and we Atlético fans have dreams, too.”
“It’s true that he has spoken with us, but it’s also true that he is fully aware of our position because we have been very clear.”
“Atleti doesn’t want to transfer his rights. He’s a great player, and we’re very proud to have him on our team.”
Miguel Ángel Gil Marín, CEO of Atlético, told the EFE News Agency (Filed under: Argentina vs. Jordan).
He’s looking to get back to his best form
Five days later, the Albiceleste forward returns to Dallas to show how he’s doing physically and mentally.
Hindered by a muscle injury late in the season—which delayed his return to form—”La Araña” has played just over an hour in the 2026 World Cup.
Always as a substitute for Lautaro Martínez.
Now, he has to prove that he’s ready to challenge “El Toro” for his spot, and that all the hype surrounding him hasn’t affected him.
And, above all, to score again while wearing the Albiceleste jersey, because after playing a vital role in winning the World Cup, he hasn’t scored for Argentina in an official match since June 5, 2025 (Filed under: Argentina vs. Jordan).
Jordan wants to say goodbye with pride
For Jordan, the match against Argentina is a celebration to mark the end of its only World Cup appearance.
Facing the world champion, Messi—a player idolized even by Jordanian soccer players themselves—is the best possible gift.
Led by Jamal Sellami, the first Moroccan to compete in a World Cup as both a player (1998) and a coach (2026), the Jordanian team has held its own.
Despite losing to Austria (3-1) and Algeria (2-1).
“Playing against Argentina is an opportunity for us.”
“It’s an opportunity to perform well and make a lasting impact worthy of Jordanian soccer,” Sellami said about the match (Filed under: Argentina vs. Jordan).
Argentina shows off its wardrobe
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Probable Lineups
Jordan: Jamal Sellami; Saleem Obaid, Abdallah Al Fakhori, Odeh Fakhoury, Mohammad Al Daoud; Mohammad Abu Ghoush, Ibrahim Sadeh Raja’ei Ayed, Mohammad Abu Hasheesh, Nour Bani Ateyah; Ali Azaizeh; Mohammad Abu Al Nadi.
Head Coach: Jamal Sellami (MAR).
Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolás Otamendi, Marcos Senesi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Giuliano Simeone, Leandro Paredes, Exequiel Palacios, Nico González; Leo Messi, Julián Álvarez.
Head Coach: Lionel Scaloni.
Referee: István Kovács (Romania).
Stadium: AT&T Stadium in Arlington.
Time: 12:00 p.m. local time (5:00 p.m. GMT).
With information from EFE
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