Argentina national team manager Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will not be named in the starting lineup to face Jordan in La Albiceleste’s final 2026 World Cup group-stage fixture.
Messi Rested Ahead of Cape Verde Knockout Clash
Argentina has already secured their ticket to the Round of 32 as group winners. They also know their upcoming knockout opponent, which will be Cape Verde, after the African side surprisingly clinched second place in a group featuring Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.
Speaking ahead of the clash against Jordan, Scaloni clarified Messi’s status: “It is highly likely that Leo Messi will come on in the second half. We spoke and agreed that this is for the best, but it is also clearly beneficial for him to stay in a competitive rhythm.”
Scaloni Wary of Jordan’s Pace; Jordan Seek Historic Performance
Despite the gulf in expectations, Scaloni remains cautious: “Jordan is a strong opponent, and we will look to dominate possession and control the tempo. Their attackers are very fast, and we must take that into account.” He added: “The decision of who plays against Jordan has absolutely no bearing on who will start in the Round of 32.”
Jordan has already been mathematically eliminated from the United States, Canada, and Mexico tournament following consecutive losses to Austria and Algeria. However, manager Jamal Sellami views this blockbuster match as a golden opportunity for The Chivalrous to leave a historic mark on the world stage.
Tournament Fact: Lionel Messi currently leads the 2026 World Cup golden boot race, having scored an astonishing 5 goals in just two matches—accounting for 100% of Argentina’s total goals in the tournament so far.
