In an important update released ahead of the clash, it has come to light that Lionel Messi will start on the bench for Argentina's final Group J match against Jordan at AT&T Stadium on Saturday.
With Argentina already guaranteed progression to the knockout stages as group winners, coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to make several changes to manage player fitness ahead of the round of 32. The Inter Miami superstar, who recently celebrated his birthday and has managed minor fitness concerns, is among those set to be rested.
Messi benched as Argentina rotates squad for final World Cup Group clash against Jordan
According to the Argentine head coach:
“Leo Messi will be on the bench against Jordan. He will have minutes in the second half”.
Meanwhile, Jordan has been eliminated from the tournament, making the fixture an opportunity for younger or fringe players to gain valuable minutes. Argentina face the runners-up from another group in the next round, where a fully refreshed squad could prove crucial in their defence of the World Cup title.
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