Lionel Messi to start on bench as Argentina face Jordan

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that captain Lionel Messi will begin his side's final FIFA World Cup group-stage match

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that captain Lionel Messi will begin his side’s final FIFA World Cup group-stage match against Jordan on the bench. The decision, according to Scaloni, has been made to manage Messi’s workload and is not related to any injury concerns.

Messi, who has been one of the standout performers of the tournament, currently leads the race for the Golden Boot with five goals from Argentina’s opening two matches. His impressive tally includes a brace against Austria, a performance that saw him become the all-time leading goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history. Despite his remarkable form, the coaching staff believes it is the right time to give the 39-year-old forward a well-earned rest before the knockout stages.

Speaking ahead of the match in Dallas, Scaloni explained that Messi is expected to feature later in the game rather than starting from the first whistle. The coach said he had discussed the plan with the Argentine captain, and both agreed that beginning the match on the bench would be the best approach. Scaloni added that while resting Messi is important, it is equally beneficial for him to maintain his competitive rhythm by playing some part in the match.

The Argentina manager also clarified that his team selection against Jordan should not be interpreted as an indication of his plans for the next round. He stressed that every match is approached independently and that decisions are made based on the specific opponent and tactical requirements.

Scaloni praised Jordan as a disciplined and capable side that should not be underestimated. He said Argentina’s objective would be to dominate possession, dictate the tempo of the game, and control proceedings through their passing style. However, he also warned that Jordan possesses quick and dangerous attacking players who can exploit defensive gaps, meaning Argentina will need to remain alert throughout the contest.

Meanwhile, the race for the tournament’s Golden Boot continues to intensify. France captain Kylian Mbappe was unable to increase his goal tally during his side’s convincing 4-1 victory over Norway. Mbappe, who entered the match with four goals, remained level behind Messi after failing to find the net.

Norway striker Erling Haaland, who also has four goals in the competition, was surprisingly left on the bench for the match and therefore missed the opportunity to challenge Messi’s lead in the scoring charts.

Instead, it was France winger Ousmane Dembele who stole the spotlight with a sensational first-half hat-trick. His three-goal performance propelled him to four goals for the tournament, placing him alongside Mbappe and Haaland in the battle for the Golden Boot.

With the group stage nearing its conclusion and the knockout rounds fast approaching, the competition for the tournament’s top scorer award remains wide open. While Messi currently leads the standings, several of football’s biggest stars remain within striking distance, setting the stage for an exciting finish to both the World Cup and the race for individual honours.