Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has announced that Lionel Messi will start the team’s final group stage match of the 2026 World Cup against Jordan on the bench. However, Scaloni confirmed that the team’s captain is expected to make his entrance in the second half.
Scaloni remarked, “Messi will be on the bench, but will get minutes in the second half” during tomorrow’s match. This strategy reflects Argentina’s current standing, as they have already secured first place in their group, following victories over Algeria and Austria.
The decision allows the coaching staff to rotate the squad before entering the knockout stage while ensuring that Messi maintains match fitness. For the 39-year-old player, this match presents an opportunity to sharpen his skills and potentially enhance his personal World Cup statistics.
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