Messi, who is currently leading the Golden Boot race with five goals, has already helped Argentina seal progression to the round of 32. Head coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to rest him for the final group match against Jordan, which will be the first senior international meeting between the two teams. Argentina sit top of Group J with six points from two matches, while Jordan have already been eliminated.

Messi on bench

Argentina’s decision to bench Messi reflects their comfortable position in the group and the need to manage workload before the knockout stage. The starting XI is expected to feature Emiliano Martínez in goal, with Nicolás González and Julián Álvarez among the attacking options. Jordan, meanwhile, will lean on Mousa Al-Tamari in their final outing.

The move will still draw attention because Messi has been one of the tournament’s biggest storylines so far. His five goals have put him at the top of the scoring chart, and Argentina will want him fresh for the next round rather than risk unnecessary fatigue in a dead-rubber fixture.

Portugal vs Colombia

Portugal’s match against Colombia is the standout contest of the night, with both sides already through but still chasing top spot in Group K. Portugal have four points from two matches, while Colombia lead the group with six and can secure first place with a win or a draw depending on other results.

Cristiano Ronaldo comes into the game after scoring twice against Uzbekistan in the last match, while Bruno Fernandes and João Félix are also expected to play key roles. Colombia, with James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz leading the charge, will look to test Portugal’s defence in a match that could shape the knockout draw.

Other key matches

England face Panama in Match 67, with England top of Group L on four points and Panama already eliminated after two defeats. The two teams have met only once before at the 2018 World Cup, when England won 6-1, and Harry Kane will again be the main player to watch.

In the other Group L match, Croatia meet Ghana in what is effectively a must-win game for the Croatians. Croatia sit third with three points, while Ghana are second with four and have already qualified for the round of 32. Luka Modrić is expected to anchor Croatia’s midfield as both sides chase better seeding.

Knockout picture

The remaining Group K and Group J fixtures also carry knockout implications. Uzbekistan, still without a win, face DR Congo in what is their last chance to salvage a result, while Algeria and Austria meet in a straight fight for qualification from Group J.

Australia’s, sorry, Austria’s clash with Algeria should be especially tight because both teams have three points and the winner advances to the round of 32. Algeria will rely on Riyad Mahrez, while Austria will look to Marcel Sabitzer for leadership and creativity.

Why it matters

With just four knockout spots still open, the final set of group matches is more than routine schedule-filling. Coaches are balancing rest, qualification position and momentum, and that is why Messi’s benching is as notable as Ronaldo’s expected start against Colombia.

For viewers, the night sets up one of the tournament’s most attractive closing sessions: star power, qualification pressure and several live group battles all at once.