Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will start on the bench for Argentina's final World Cup group game against Jordan at the AT&T Stadium in Dallas. Argentina have already secured top spot in their group with a game to spare.
Messi, who has scored five goals in his first two matches, will come on in the second half. Scaloni said: "Leo is going to start on the bench and will come on a little later. I will tell you because you deserve a sincere answer."
Tagliafico Praises Messi's Form
Despite the rest, defender Nicola Tagliafico has warned that Messi is playing even better than he did four years ago when he led Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar. The 33-year-old Lyon left-back, playing at his third World Cup, said: "From what I have seen of Leo so far, he is at the same level as he was in 2022 or even better and we are enjoying this. I'm sure he is enjoying it too."
Messi's Birthday Celebration
Messi turned 39 on Wednesday. The squad celebrated with a party at the team hotel, where each player wore a T-shirt featuring a picture of them with Messi. Tagliafico added: "He took it well. It was the idea of Rodrigo De Paul. It was something quite beautiful. We had a ball. We had a blast. It was just amazing."
Scaloni's Tribute to Journalist
Scaloni paid tribute to veteran journalist Enrique Macaya Márquez, who is covering his 18th World Cup at age 91. When asked about Messi's role, Scaloni said: "I will tell you because you deserve a sincere answer. To answer the question of someone who has been at 18 World Cups is truly an honour. I remember watching you on the television when I was playing." Scaloni hugged Márquez after the press conference.
