ARLINGTON: Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that captain Lionel Messi will not start the defending champions’ final FIFA World Cup 2026 Group J match against Jordan on Saturday.
With Argentina already assured of top spot in the group after consecutive victories over Algeria and Austria, Scaloni revealed that the 39-year-old forward will begin the match on the bench as the coaching staff looks to manage his workload ahead of the knockout stage.
“Leo will come on later, and I’ve already confirmed the team, but we’re going to announce it tomorrow,” Scaloni told reporters on Friday.
Argentina have enjoyed a flawless start to their title defence, beating Algeria 3-0 before securing a 2-0 victory over Austria to qualify for the Round of 32 as Group J winners with a game to spare.
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Messi has been at the heart of that success, scoring all five of Argentina’s goals so far in the tournament.
The veteran forward also became the outright leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history after netting his record-breaking 17th World Cup goal against Austria.
With qualification already secured and Jordan eliminated from the tournament, Scaloni is expected to rotate his squad and hand opportunities to several fringe players while ensuring key members of the team remain fresh for the knockout rounds.
Argentina’s opponents in the Round of 32 have already been confirmed, with the reigning world champions set to face World Cup debutants Cape Verde after the African nation finished second in Group H.
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