Argentina captain Lionel Messi will begin his side's final FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage match against Jordan on the substitutes' bench, head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed ahead of the encounter. With La Albiceleste already assured of finishing atop Group J, the coaching staff has opted to rotate its squad before the knockout rounds.
Argentina secured qualification for the Round of 32 after victories over Algeria and Austria and will next face Group H runners-up Cape Verde. As a result, Scaloni has decided to manage his squad for the final group fixture rather than field his strongest available XI.
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Lionel Scaloni confirms Lionel Messi will start on the bench
Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Scaloni revealed that Messi would not be in the starting lineup against Jordan.
"Leo will be a substitute tomorrow, to play later."
The Argentina boss also clarified that the decision was not influenced by their already-confirmed Round of 32 opponents.
"The decision of who starts tomorrow is not in relation to the opponent we'll face in the next round."
Scaloni's comments indicate that the move is part of his broader squad management strategy as Argentina prepare for the knockout phase of the competition.
Argentina look ahead to the knockout rounds
Messi has enjoyed a remarkable start to the tournament, scoring five goals in Argentina's opening two matches. The Inter Miami forward netted a hat-trick against Algeria before adding a brace against Austria to become the leading goalscorer in men's FIFA World Cup history with 18 goals.
His outstanding performances have also placed him at the top of the Golden Boot standings heading into the final round of group-stage fixtures.
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With Lionel Messi set to begin on the bench, midfielder Nico Paz is expected to receive a starting opportunity after making his World Cup debut as a substitute earlier in the tournament.
Despite already securing qualification, Lionel Scaloni insisted Argentina will approach the Jordan match with the same intensity and style that has brought success so far.
The defending world champions will then travel to Miami for their Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde, where Messi is expected to play a much bigger role as Argentina begin their pursuit of another World Cup title.