Messi, Argentina to play historic World Cup friendly in Auburn
Jordan-Hare Stadium will host its first international soccer match this summer when Lionel Messi and Argentina battle Iceland ahead of the World Cup.
One of soccer's most popular global superstars will play in Jordan-Hare Stadium this summer ahead of the FIFA World Cup. Auburn athletics announced Thursday that superstar Lionel Messi and reigning world champion Argentina will play a friendly against Iceland on June 9 at Jordan-Hare Stadium at 7:30 p. m.
CT as part of the "Road to 26" ahead of the World Cup that begins June 11. Jordan-Hare Stadium will join Texas A&M's Kyle Field in hosting a "Road to 26" match this summer. The home of the 12th man will also host Argentina on Saturday, June 6, for their friendly with Honduras.
“To have the reigning FIFA World Cup champions choose Auburn as the site of their last match before defending their title represents a tremendous achievement and an incredible opportunity for Auburn Athletics and Auburn University,” Auburn athletics director John Cohen said in a press release. “This exhibition between Argentina and Iceland will bring worldwide attention and exposure to Auburn and our community. ” This will mark the first international soccer game played on the grounds at Jordan-Hare Stadium in its 87-year history, and it will be an iconic match as Messi will lead the defending World Cup champions, Argentina, which will bring plenty of exposure to Jordan-Hare Stadium and should bring an economic boost to the city of Auburn and the surrounding communities.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, hosted by North America, will officially begin on June 11 and will conclude on July 19 with the World Cup Championship Game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Atlanta, Dallas, Houston, Miami, Los Angeles, and Seattle are some of the cities that will host World Cup matches this year. Fans can purchase tickets beginning Wednesday, April 15, at 9 a.