According to media outlet Pazzidifanta, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will begin on the bench in the team’s final Group J match against Jordan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Messi, who scored a hat-trick against Algeria and a brace against Austria, will not start Argentina’s third group-stage game after helping the defending champions secure top spot and a place in the round of 32.
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Scaloni said: “Leo will be on the bench. I will not announce the final starting lineup, but he will come on as a substitute during the match.”
Argentina have already qualified for the knockout stage and will face surprise package Cape Verde, runners-up in Group H behind Spain, in the round of 32.
The South Americans will take on already-eliminated Jordan at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on the night of June 27-28, with Scaloni expected to rotate his squad, rest key players and hand opportunities to those who have seen little action so far.
Scaloni praised the commitment of his entire squad, saying: “All our achievements so far are thanks to the players who have always been there and trained with full commitment. I believe that when the opportunity arises, many excellent players deserve to play. The goal is for the team to play in the same way.”
Messi has been directly responsible for all five of Argentina’s goals at the tournament and, following his double against Austria, surpassed Miroslav Klose’s tally of 18 goals to become the all-time leading scorer in FIFA World Cup history.
The decision to rest the 39-year-old is also aimed at keeping him fresh ahead of Argentina’s round-of-32 clash with Cape Verde on July 4.