Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will start on the bench when his side face Jordan in their final FIFA World Cup 2026 group match on Sunday.
Messi has scored all five of Argentina’s goals in wins over Algeria and Austria. Those victories have already secured the defending champions a place in the knockout stage as Group J winners.
Scaloni revealed his decision during a press conference after being asked about Messi by 91 year old Argentine radio journalist Enrique Macaya Marquez.
“Leo will start on the bench,” Scaloni said in response to a question the veteran journalist, who is working at his 18th World Cup. “I’m answering because you deserve a sincere answer.”
“Leo will come in a little bit later.”
Despite resting Messi from the starting lineup, Scaloni rejected the idea that Argentina are treating the match lightly. He said every player in the squad has earned the chance to play.
“Those that are playing tomorrow deserve to play, they are part of the team,” he said. “All the effort we’ve put in in training is because of them, that’s why we’re here. They are making every effort when they’re not playing.”
“I’d love to give everybody minutes and when I have the chance I do and it’s because they deserve it. They are fantastic players too.”
“The dream as a coach is to have the team perform the same way, independent of the players who comprise the team.”
“If you are wearing the jersey and playing it doesn’t matter if you’re playing in a game of significance for the points or not. You’re going to do your best to win, nothing changes. We’re in the same way as we were on day one.”
Jordan have already been eliminated after losing their opening two matches. Scaloni expects them to sit deep and defend with numbers.
“Jordan normally play with five defenders and we’re open to the possibility that, if we’re facing some difficulties, we might have to move slightly differently,” he said.
“We might be prepared to do something differently if things are challenging, depending on how our opponent plays.”
Argentina will look to finish the group stage with a perfect record before shifting their focus to the knockout rounds.
