Jordan vs Argentina LIVE: Lionel Messi rested as World Cup group stage reaches climax

Argentina will look to maintain their 100 per cent record at the World Cup as they close out their group-stage campaign against debutants Jordan.

Lionel Messi has carried the holders to two opening wins against Algeria and Austria, scoring five goals across the two games to not only seal top spot of Group J but also break Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record – but will be rested today.

Jordan are meanwhile heading home after what is a dead rubber against the 2022 champions - but in the other Group J game, there is everything to play for as Algeria and Austria battle for knockouts qualification. Both teams are on three points meaning a draw would be enough for both to progress, and this would likely be the preferred result for Algeria anyway, because if they win, they’ll go through as group runners-up and face one of the favourites in Spain in the round of 32.

Follow all the action as Group J reaches its climax at the World Cup:

Jordan vs Argentina live updates

Argentina round off World Cup group stage with dead rubber against Jordan | Kick-off at 3am BST, live on BBC One
Lionel Messi has made blistering start to tournament but set to start on bench
Algeria and Austria also clash with both hunting qualification
Group J runners-up will face Spain in round of 32

What do Austria need to qualify?

01:15 , Will Castle

Any result other than defeat for Austria would similarly be enough to progress to the knockouts. Victory will see them finish as group runners-up, as would a draw due to their superior goal difference.

The only scenario where Algeria can leapfrog them into second is if they lose. There is still a chance can Austria progress on three points from third if the defeat is a slender one, with their goal difference currently zero.

As mentioned previously, this eventuality would probably offer a better round of 32 draw, but the high risk of dropping into third will not look enticing for Austria. Weirdly enough, a draw seems to suit both teams best - don’t be surprised if this one has an oddly uncompetitive feel to it.

Image from: Jordan vs Argentina LIVE: Lionel Messi rested as World Cup group stage reaches climax

What do Austria and Algeria need to qualify for the World Cup knockouts from Group J?

What do Algeria need to qualify?

01:10 , Will Castle

Algeria need to avoid defeat to ensure their progression into the World Cup knockouts. Which result would be more beneficial to them, however, is interestingly up for debate.

A win will take them into second place, setting up a round of 32 clash against the winner of Group H. That will likely mean they face Spain, who are one of the favourites to go all the way this year.

But if they draw and seal qualification as one of the eight-best third-placed teams, they will face either the winner of Group A - which is Mexico - or the winner of Group G, Belgium.

Defeat, on the other hand, will put their World Cup progression at serious risk. Losing by anything more than one goal will put them out of contention to go through in third due to poor goal difference, but the likelihood is they would be bumped out by the group stage’s conclusion regardless.

Algeria face a dilemma over whether to try win or settle for a draw and an arguably easier knockout tie (Getty)

How Group J looks

01:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle

Here’s how it all sits entering the final round of fixtures in Group J: