Lionel Messi vs Jordan: Who Will Win? SportsLine’s Picks & Bench Surprise
Text
Argentina’s star player Lionel Messi is expected to come off the bench in the team’s 2026 World Cup match against Jordan, according to SportsLine analyst Martin Green. The prediction comes as the South American side prepares for their Group C opener against the West Asian nation, with Green highlighting the potential impact of Messi’s limited playing time.
The match, scheduled for June 27, 2026, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, will mark Argentina’s first World Cup appearance since winning the 2022 tournament in Qatar. Messi, 36, has been a central figure in Argentina’s preparations, though his role remains uncertain. Green, who has an 18-8 record in World Cup picks, noted that coach Lionel Scaloni may opt to conserve the forward for later stages of the competition.
SportsLine’s odds for the match favor Argentina, with the team listed at -150 on the moneyline, while Jordan is priced at +250. The over/under for total goals is set at 2.5, reflecting expectations of a tightly contested game. Green emphasized that Argentina’s tactical approach could hinge on balancing Messi’s contributions with the need to manage his workload.
Argentina’s squad includes key players such as Julián Álvarez, Paulo Dybala, and Emiliano Martínez, while Jordan’s lineup features forward Ahmad Al-Hayyan and goalkeeper Feras Al-Khatib. The match will be the first of two Group C fixtures for both teams, with the winner likely to advance to the knockout stages.
Scaloni has not yet confirmed Messi’s exact role, but recent training sessions suggest he may play a supporting part. “Messi’s experience is invaluable, but we need to ensure he’s match-fit for the later rounds,” Scaloni said in a press conference. The coach added that the team’s strategy would prioritize maintaining possession and exploiting Jordan’s defensive vulnerabilities.
Jordan’s coach, Héctor Cúper, acknowledged the challenge of facing a team with world-class talent. “Argentina is a formidable opponent, but we’ll focus on our game plan and try to capitalize on any mistakes,” Cúper stated. Jordan’s recent friendly results have been mixed, with a 2-1 win against Syria and a 1-1 draw against Iraq, raising questions about their readiness for the World Cup.
The match’s outcome could influence the broader Group C dynamics, as other teams like Mexico and Poland also compete for advancement. Argentina’s World Cup history includes two titles (1978, 1986) and a 2022 final appearance, while Jordan is making its third World Cup appearance after 1994 and 1998.
Green’s analysis also highlighted the importance of Argentina’s defensive setup, with Martínez and Nicolas Otamendi expected to anchor the backline. “If Argentina can limit Jordan’s chances, they’ll have a strong chance to win,” Green said. Meanwhile, Jordan’s attacking options, including Al-Hayyan, will need to create opportunities against a disciplined Argentine defense.
The match will be broadcast in the U.S. on ESPN and ABC, with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. ET. Fans can also access live updates through ESPN’s digital platforms.
Quoted text
“Argentina is a formidable opponent, but we’ll focus on our game plan and try to capitalize on any mistakes.”
Source: Héctor Cúper, Jordan coach
Quoted text
“If Argentina can limit Jordan’s chances, they’ll have a strong chance to win.”
Source: Martin Green, SportsLine analyst
Text
The 2026 World Cup is the first to feature 48 teams, expanding from the previous 32-team format. This change increases the likelihood of underdog performances, though Argentina remains a heavy favorite in Group C. Jordan’s participation marks a significant milestone for West Asian football, with the team qualifying for the tournament for the first time since 1994.
Argentina’s World Cup campaign will be closely watched, given Messi’s potential final appearance. The forward has scored 85 goals in 147 appearances for the national team, including a pivotal role in the 2022 victory. His involvement in the 2026 tournament could influence his legacy, with many analysts speculating about his future in international football.
Jordan’s preparation has included a series of friendly matches against European and Asian opponents, with mixed results. The team’s physical style of play and set-piece expertise have drawn praise, but their lack of World Cup experience remains a concern.
The match’s outcome could also impact the broader tournament structure, with Group C’s top two teams advancing to the round of 16. Argentina’s path to the final would likely include challenges from Mexico and Poland, while Jordan faces the task of securing a spot in the next stage