Lionel Messi will not start for Argentina against Jordan in their final Group J match at the World Cup in Dallas on Saturday. Head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed at Friday's pre-match press conference that the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner will begin on the bench, with a likely appearance in the second half.
Record-Breaking Performance So Far
Messi has had an exceptional tournament, scoring five goals in two matches. He netted a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City, marking his 200th senior international cap and tying Germany's Miroslav Klose with 16 World Cup finals goals. He then surpassed Klose with two goals in a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday, taking his tally to 18 World Cup goals. He also celebrated his 39th birthday two days after the Austria match.
Scaloni's Decision to Rest Messi
Scaloni explained the decision, stating, "Leo will most likely come on in the second half. We talked and agreed that it was better that way, but obviously it's also good for him to stay in competitive form." Argentina has already secured top spot in Group J after wins over Algeria and Austria, with FIFA using head-to-head record as the primary tiebreaker. They cannot fall from first place regardless of the result against Jordan.
Argentina will face Cape Verde in the round of 32 in Miami on July 3, after Cape Verde drew 0-0 with Saudi Arabia to clinch second place in Group H behind Spain. Jordan, eliminated after losses to Austria and Algeria, cannot advance.
Other Key Players Rested
Scaloni also plans to rotate other key players, including Enzo Fernandez, Lisandro Martinez, and Alexis Mac Allister. Tottenham captain Cristian Romero will miss the match due to a knee issue sustained against Austria. Expected to feature are Nico Paz, Giuliano Simeone, Giovani Lo Celso, and Julian Alvarez, who is likely to lead the attack.
Messi currently leads the race for the World Cup Golden Boot with five goals, one ahead of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, Vinicius Jr, and Erling Haaland.
