Messi, Argentina vs. Jordan Odds, Live Stream Schedule, Group Standings, Scenarios for World Cup
Argentina resides in the ideal position going into its Group J finale against Jordan on Saturday.
The reigning World Cup champion already clinched first place through its wins over Austria and Algeria.
Saturday's game presents an opportunity for manager Lionel Scaloni to rotate his squad against one of the weakest teams in the 2026 World Cup field.
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Jordan was competitive in each of its two first two losses, but that might not be the case, even if Lionel Messi doesn't start for Argentina.
Argentina vs. Jordan Info
Date: Saturday, June 27
Start Time: 10 p.m. ET
TV: Fox
Live Stream: Fox One or FoxSports.com
Odds (via FanDuel Sportsbook): Argentina (-650; bet $650 to win $100); Jordan (+1500; bet $100 to win $1,500); Draw (+700)
Group J Standings
- Argentina - 6 points (+5 goal differential)
- Austria - 3 (0)
- Algeria - 3 (-2)
- Jordan - 0 (-3)
Argentina has a decision to make with its starters.
The Albiceleste could be like Germany and play a majority of their starters despite already winning the group.
Scaloin took take the Mauricio Pochettino approach and rotate his squad so that the starters are healthy for the knockout round.
Neither approach benefited Germany and the United States, as they both lost on Thursday.
Argentina will probably beat Jordan by multiple goals regardless of which players are on the field.
The gap in talent is so massive between the two sides.
Because of that, you could make a strong case to hold out Lionel Messi to have him fresh for the round of 32.
Julian Alvarez has been waiting patiently for his turn at this World Cup behind Messi and Lautaro Martinez.
Scaloni could unleash the Atletico Madrid striker and have him bag a few goals for his confidence. There's a good chance Alvarez will be needed off the bench in tighter knockout-round contests.
There are opportunities for rotation across the lineup, but the one everyone will pay close attention involves Messi and Alvarez.
A win would allow Argentina to finish on nine points from three games.
Only Mexico achieved that feat so far in the tournament. France, Norway and Colombia all have a chance to clinch a perfect group record on Friday.
Jordan is playing for pride in a scale of game it typically isn't involved in.
The Asian side conceded five goals against Austria and Algeria. The expectation is for the goals against number to grow a decent amount on Saturday.
The goal for Jordan will be to try and score on an Argentinian defense that has yet to concede.
Jordan is already eliminated from the tournament. The other advancement spots from Group L will be determined by the Austria-Algeria match.
A draw benefits both Austria and Algeria because then they would both go through with four points.
