Lionel Messi will start on the bench for Argentina’s final group match against Jordan as coach Scaloni rotates his squad for the knockouts.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that captain Lionel Messi will be rested for the final Group J fixture against Jordan. The decision comes with the reigning world champions having already secured top spot in the group following successive victories over Algeria and Austria.
Messi has been in imperious form during the tournament, netting all five of Argentina’s goals so far to lead the Golden Boot race. However, Scaloni is prioritizing squad rotation ahead of a Round of 32 matchup against Cape Verde, choosing to give secondary options minutes while preserving his talisman.
“Leo will start on the bench,” Scaloni stated. “I won’t reveal anything more about the lineup, but he may feature later in the game.”
The tactical shift means 21-year-old midfielder Nico Paz is expected to step up, likely partnering Julián Álvarez in a reshuffled attack, while veteran forward Lautaro Martínez is also rested. While the announcement alters the dynamic for supporters in Kansas City, the dead-rubber match provides a crucial evaluation window for Argentina’s depth.
The squad rotation caps a celebratory week for the camp, following Messi’s 39th birthday on June 24. The team marked the milestone with a customized tribute organized by Rodrigo De Paul, where players wore personalized shirts featuring images with their captain.
“Everything was meaningful,” defender Nicolás Tagliafico noted, reflecting on the camp’s atmosphere. “We are far from our families, but this time it felt like we were with loved ones.” With team morale high and their primary objective achieved, Argentina now turns its focus toward tactical refinement before the knockout stages begin.