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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) - San Antonio News
· 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 Alamo Heights News
For Alamo Heights residents and San Antonio soccer fans, the upcoming Argentina vs Jordan match is of particular interest, given that the group finale will be played at the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, a venue within driving distance. Lionel Messi's decision to start on the bench may impact the game's dynamics, but his potential substitution could still draw large crowds from the local area. As Argentina progresses to the knockout stage, their next match in South Florida will be followed closely by fans in the San Antonio area, who may be planning to travel or gather to watch the games. With Messi's impressive World Cup record and Argentina's bid to remain undefeated in group play, the local community is likely to be invested in the team's performance, making the next few weeks an exciting time for soccer enthusiasts in Alamo Heights and beyond.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Alamo Heights 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 KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 26, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News ·
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) - San Antonio News and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Stephen Hawkins, Associated Press at KSAT 12 (ABC) - San Antonio News. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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