Dallas, June 27: Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that star player Lionel Messi will start on the bench in the final group stage match against Jordan in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
The match is scheduled to take place at Dallas Stadium on Saturday. Argentina has already secured the top position in Group J, prompting Scaloni to indicate that he will give other players a chance in this match. According to ‘Xinhua’, Scaloni stated, “Messi will play from the bench, and I am not trying to avoid this question. You deserve a clear answer, and I am providing it. As for the formation, I cannot give you more details. Messi will come onto the field a bit later. The entire lineup is confirmed, but we will announce it before the match.”
The coach also clarified that this match presents a good opportunity for experimentation and for other players to showcase their skills. Messi has performed exceptionally in this tournament, contributing significantly to Argentina’s five goals. Recently, he celebrated his 39th birthday.
However, considering his fitness, the coaching staff has decided to rest him for this match. Messi has not faced any major injury issues recently, but the team wants to ensure he is fully fit for the knockout stage. Scaloni emphasized that every player is important, and whoever steps onto the field will work hard for the team’s victory. He remarked, “We want the team’s performance to remain consistent, regardless of who is playing.”
He also noted that Jordan typically plays with five defenders, so the team may need to adjust their strategy accordingly. Argentina has had a stellar performance in the group stage, winning both of their initial matches and securing a place in the knockout rounds. Meanwhile, Jordan has been eliminated from the tournament after losing both of their matches.
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