Jordan vs Argentina prediction: Lionel Messi Golden Boot bid suffers blow

Lionel Messi #10 of Argentina poses for a portrait during the official FIFA World Cup 2026 portrait session on June 11, 2026 in Kansas City
Lionel Messi (Image credit: Getty Images)

Argentina and Jordan will play out a dead rubber to bring Group J to a close this evening.

The South Americans already have one eye on their next opponents, Cape Verde, in the Round of 32, therefore tonight's fixture is merely a formality.

World Cup debutants Jordan have their suitcases packed and this game is nothing more than an exhibition following defeats by Algeria and Austria.

Jordan vs Argentina predictions

Lionel Messi scores his penalty in Argentina's 2022 World Cup final shootout victory over France

Lionel Messi has scored five times at the 2026 World Cup so far (Image credit: Alamy)

Argentina have, quite predictably, been led by the exceptional Lionel Messi so far this tournament.

The little maestro has scored all five of his country's goals in the competition to date, including a hat-trick versus Algeria in their Group J opener.

Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match against Algeria at Kansas City Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri

Messi celebrates (Image credit: Getty Images)

Given the low-stakes nature of tonight's game, manager Lionel Scaloni is expected to ring the changes, resting key players for the knockout rounds.

Argentina's 'B' side should still see off Jordan without too much trouble, though, even if the Jordanian players know this is probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

There is every chance Scaloni makes upwards of five or six changes to his starting lineup, which could mean Messi's Golden Boot hopes receive a blow.

The Inter Miami forward is likely to finish the group stage as the 2026 World Cup top scorer and if given the opportunity to feature against Jordan, would surely add to his existing tally.

If the 39-year-old is rested, there is no guarantee Argentina find their shooting boots, considering no other Argentine player has scored so far this tournament.

Jordan vs Argentina score prediction

Mahmoud Almardi of Jordan applauds fans after the team's 1-3 loss in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match against Austria at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium on June 16, 2026 in Santa Clara, California

Could be a long night for this lot (Image credit: Getty Images)

Jordan will go out on their swords, putting bodies on the line but the quality of this Argentina squad will show in this final group match.

  • Score prediction: Jordan 0-2 Argentina
Joe Donnohue
Senior Digital Writer

Joe joined FourFourTwo as senior digital writer in July 2025 after five years covering Leeds United in the Championship and Premier League. Joe's 'Mastermind' specialist subject is 2000s-era Newcastle United having had a season ticket at St. James' Park for 10 years before relocating to Leeds and later London. Joe takes a keen interest in youth football, covering PL2, U21 Euros, as well as U20 and U17 World Cups in the past, in addition to hosting the industry-leading football recruitment-focused SCOUTED podcast. He is also one of the lucky few to have 'hit top bins' as a contestant on Soccer AM. It wasn't a shin-roller.

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