Lionel Messi To Begin On Bench As Argentina Face Jordan In FIFA World Cup 2026 Group Game
Messi likely to start on bench as Argentina face Jordan in group-stage match.
Argentina are set to field a heavily rotated side for their final Group J match against Jordan in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with captain Lionel Messi expected to start on the bench as head coach Lionel Scaloni looks to rest key players ahead of the knockout stage.
According to Scaloni, Messi, who recently turned 39, will not be part of the starting XI but is expected to feature later in the match. The decision comes after Argentina secured top spot in Group J with two wins from their opening games, while Jordan have already been eliminated after losing both of their fixtures.
Messi has been in outstanding form during the tournament, scoring all five of Argentina’s goals so far. The forward, who plays his club football for Inter Miami CF, has added to his record-breaking World Cup legacy by extending his tally to 18 goals across six editions of the competition, further cementing his status as one of the tournament’s most prolific players.
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The Argentine captain has also matched and surpassed several long-standing records, including becoming one of the few players to score in six consecutive World Cup matches. With 28 appearances in the competition, he holds the record for the most World Cup matches played, highlighting his longevity at the highest level of international football.
Scaloni is expected to rotate several key players for the fixture, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez likely to be one of the few regular starters retained in the lineup. Young midfielder Nicolás Paz is among those expected to be given an opportunity as Argentina manage squad fitness ahead of the Round of 32.
The coach said the team will aim to maintain its playing style despite changes in personnel, stressing that Argentina will not underestimate Jordan. With the knockout stage approaching, the focus for the defending champions remains on balancing performance, rotation, and player fitness as they continue their World Cup campaign.
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