Messi Makes History at Dallas Stadium as World Cup Fever Grips North Texas

ARLINGTON, Texas — Lionel Messi cemented his legacy as the greatest goalscorer in World Cup history Saturday night, leading Argentina to a 3-1 victory over Jordan in the final Group J match at Dallas Stadium before a roaring crowd of more than 80,000 fans.

Messi, who earlier in the tournament broke the all-time World Cup scoring record, added to his tally and now leads the Golden Boot race for most goals in the 2026 tournament. Argentina had already clinched Group J with a 2-0 win over Austria on Monday, but the defending champions showed no signs of letting up.

Jordan, already eliminated after losses to Austria and Algeria, played with pride and managed a late consolation goal, but Argentina's attack proved relentless. The win sets up a knockout-round clash for Argentina against the runner-up from Group H — Spain, Uruguay, Cabo Verde, or Saudi Arabia — next Friday, July 3, in Miami.

Dallas Stadium, which is hosting nine World Cup matches during the tournament, saw massive crowds throughout the group stage. The Round of 32 begins Sunday, with the tournament culminating in the final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19.

Argentina's performance at Dallas Stadium underscored why they entered the tournament as favorites. With Messi in record-breaking form, the Albiceleste look poised to defend their title deep into the knockout rounds.

Celina, located in northwest Collin County about 45 miles north of Dallas, is one of the fastest-growing small cities in Texas and shares the region's excitement as the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex hosts the world's biggest sporting event.

Sources

NBC 5 DFW — https://www.nbcdfw.com/world-cup/messi-argentina-play-final-group-stage-game-of-2026-fifa-world-cup-at-dallas-stadium/4039595/