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Lionel Messi won't start Argentina's group finale, but World Cup scoring record holder could sub in
By Stephen Hawkins, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· 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 San Antonio
As Argentina prepares to face Jordan in its group finale at the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, San Antonio soccer fans are likely keeping a close eye on the match. With Lionel Messi, the World Cup's top scorer, expected to come in off the bench, locals may be wondering what this means for Argentina's chances in the knockout stage. The fact that Messi has been dealing with a minor hamstring injury in the lead-up to the World Cup could be a concern for fans, especially given the packed schedule of the tournament. As the team heads to South Florida for the knockout round, San Antonio residents with ties to Argentina or a passion for soccer will be watching to see how Messi's playing time is managed and how the team performs without him starting. The city's own soccer enthusiasts may also be drawing comparisons to local players and teams, considering the strategies employed by Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio 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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
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 KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Stephen Hawkins, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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