Lionel Messi has been named on the bench for Argentina’s final World Cup group game versus Jordan in Dallas. The defending champions have already secured their place in the knockout stages with impressive wins against Algeria and Austria.
Messi's Starring Role So Far
Messi has played a starring role in both games, scoring all five of Argentina’s goals to pick up where he left off in 2022. The Inter Miami forward currently leads the way in the Golden Boot race, with Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Erling Haaland closest behind him on four goals.
Manchester City striker Haaland did not add to his tally on Friday after he was surprisingly benched for Norway’s final group game against France.
Scaloni's Plan to Keep Messi Fresh
With Argentina already through to the knockouts, head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed pre-match that he will take the same approach with Messi as he looks to keep the 39-year-old fresh for the back end of the tournament. ‘Leo will go to the bench,’ Scaloni said at a press conference on Friday.
However, Scaloni did confirm that he intends to bring Messi at some point during the match, adding: ‘I’ll hold off on the final starting lineup, but Leo will come in later. We talked and agreed that it was better that way, but obviously it’s also good for him to stay in competitive form.’
Widespread Changes Expected
Scaloni also hinted that he’ll look to make widespread changes to his team in a bid to provide minutes to those players who have not featured so far this tournament. ‘The great merit of everything that’s been done goes to the boys who are always there and train to the max,’ he added. ‘I think that when there’s an opportunity, there are great players who also deserve to come in. And the idea is for the team to play in the same way.’
Argentina's Path Ahead
Regardless of today’s result, Argentina will top Group J and have been handed a favourable encounter with Cape Verde in the round of 32. Should they beat the tournament debutants, the defending champions would then face either Egypt or Australia for a place in the quarter-final.
