local
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 / 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 The Piney Point
The fact that Argentina's group finale against Jordan will be played at the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys is a significant one for local soccer fans, as it brings international attention to the region's sports venues. With Messi potentially making an appearance off the bench, this match could draw a sizable crowd from the Houston area, which has a strong soccer following. The game's location also highlights the growing importance of the Dallas-Houston corridor as a hub for major sporting events. As Argentina moves forward in the tournament, with their knockout round beginning in South Florida, local fans will be keeping a close eye on the team's progress, particularly given Messi's impressive record in the World Cup. The prospect of Argentina making a deep run in the tournament could lead to increased interest in soccer throughout the Houston area, potentially boosting attendance at local matches and generating more support for the sport in the region.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . The Piney Point 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KPRC 2 / 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 / Click2Houston (NBC) and curated for The Piney Point readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Stephen Hawkins, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how The Piney Point selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Piney Point, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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