Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed Friday that captain Lionel Messi will begin on the bench for the reigning world champions’ final FIFA World Cup Group J match against Jordan, with qualification already secured and top spot in the group guaranteed.
Messi has inspired Argentina’s flawless start to the tournament, scoring all five of the team’s goals in victories over Algeria and Austria. With the defending champions already assured of finishing first in the group, Scaloni opted to rotate his squad while keeping one eye on the knockout rounds.
The Argentina coach made the announcement during his pre-match news conference while responding to a question from veteran Argentine journalist Enrique Macaya Marquez, who is covering his 18th World Cup at the age of 91.
“Leo will start on the bench,” Scaloni said. “I’m answering because you deserve a sincere answer.”
“Leo will come in a little bit later.”
The decision gives Messi an opportunity to rest after carrying much of Argentina’s attacking burden through the opening two matches while allowing several squad players to gain valuable minutes before the knockout stage begins.
Scaloni rejected suggestions that Argentina would field a weakened side simply because the result carries little significance in the standings.
Instead, he insisted every player selected had earned the opportunity through consistent work on the training ground and deserved the chance to represent the national team on football’s biggest stage.
“Those that are playing tomorrow deserve to play. They are part of the team,” Scaloni 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 because they deserve it. They are fantastic players too.”
The former Argentina defender added that one of his primary objectives as head coach is ensuring the team maintains the same identity regardless of which players are on the field.
“The dream as a coach is to have the team perform the same way, independent of the players who comprise the team,” he said.
“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.”
Argentina enter Saturday’s match in Dallas with maximum points after comfortably defeating both Algeria and Austria. Their perfect record has already secured a favorable path into the round of 32, where they will continue their defense of the World Cup title.
Jordan, meanwhile, has already been eliminated after consecutive defeats in its first appearance at the World Cup finals. Although the Middle Eastern nation has nothing left to play for beyond pride, Scaloni expects a disciplined defensive approach from his opponents.
He said Jordan typically operates with five defenders and acknowledged Argentina could be required to adjust tactically if they encounter difficulties breaking down a compact defensive structure.
“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,” Scaloni said.
“We might be prepared to do something differently if things are challenging, depending on how our opponent plays.”
Even without Messi in the starting lineup, Argentina will enter the match as overwhelming favorites. For Scaloni, however, the contest represents more than simply completing the group stage. It provides an opportunity to evaluate the squad’s depth, preserve key players ahead of the knockout rounds and reinforce the collective mentality that has underpinned Argentina’s success throughout the tournament.
Messi’s expected appearance as a second-half substitute should still offer supporters in Dallas an opportunity to watch the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, while Argentina aims to carry unbeaten momentum into the next phase of its World Cup title defense.
