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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 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 Tomball News
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 in the Houston area, including those in Tomball . As the World Cup continues to captivate audiences worldwide, residents of Harris County can take pride in knowing that major international soccer matches are being held in their broader region. With Argentina's captain Lionel Messi expected to make an appearance off the bench, fans in Tomball may be interested in following the match, given the proximity of the venue. Additionally, the tournament's knockout round will begin in South Florida, but the presence of high-profile matches in nearby Dallas serves as a reminder that major soccer events can have a ripple effect on local interest and enthusiasm for the sport. This could potentially boost participation and viewership in local soccer leagues and events in Tomball and surrounding areas.
About this story
Original reporting by KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC) . Tomball News 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 Tomball News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Stephen Hawkins, Associated Press at KPRC 2 / Click2Houston (NBC). To learn more about how Tomball News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Tomball News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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