The Argentine national team will face its final group stage match of the 2026 World Cup with a major change: Lionel Messi will not start against Jordan. Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that the Albiceleste captain will begin the match on the bench to manage his workload ahead of the start of the knockout stage.
Although the Argentine star won’t be on the field from the opening whistle, the coach made it clear that he will see playing time during the match.
Scaloni Opts to Give Messi a Rest
At a press conference, Lionel Scaloni explained that the 39-year-old forward will enter the game, though he declined to reveal when he would do so or what other changes he would make to his lineup.
“He’ll come on a little later,” the Argentine coach said when asked about his captain’s participation.
The decision comes after Messi was the standout player in the group stage, scoring all five of Argentina’s goals in their first two matches.
Messi continues to build his World Cup legacy
The Albiceleste captain is enjoying one of the best stretches of his World Cup career.
First, he recorded the first World Cup hat trick of his career against Algeria, and then he scored twice against Austria to become the tournament’s all-time leading scorer with 18 goals, surpassing Miroslav Klose’s 16.
In addition, Messi has now played in 28 World Cup matches—a record in FIFA history—and has scored in six consecutive games, a feat previously achieved only by Just Fontaine and Jairzinho.
Argentina Sets Its Sights on the Knockout Stage
Beyond securing first place in Group J, the Argentine coaching staff is looking to manage the physical wear and tear on its key players.
Messi arrived at the World Cup after recovering from a minor hamstring injury sustained while playing for Inter Miami in the MLS, so rest is part of a plan to ensure he is at his peak for the knockout-round matches.
With the new 48-team format, Argentina could play up to five more matches in just 17 days if it advances to the final scheduled for July 19.
There will be rotations on the Albiceleste
Messi won’t be the only regular starter to get a rest.
All signs point to Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez being the only undisputed starter to remain in the starting lineup, while Scaloni will take the opportunity to give playing time to several players who have seen limited action during the tournament.
One of them would be Nicolás Paz, who made his World Cup debut by replacing Messi in the final minutes of the opening match against Algeria and would now have the opportunity to start.
Argentina Doesn’t Want to Let Up
Although Jordan no longer has a chance to advance after losing its first two World Cup matches, Scaloni made it clear that his team will maintain the same intensity with which it has played throughout the tournament.
“We hope the team plays the same way. That’s what we’re going to try to do. Jordan is a good opponent, and we’re not taking them lightly. We’ll try to make some adjustments from the last game, but with the same intention of controlling the ball and dominating our opponent,” said the head coach.
With a spot in the Round of 16 already secured, Argentina will look to cap off a perfect group stage before beginning its World Cup title defense, while Lionel Messi recharges his energy to face the most demanding stage of the tournament.
