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Argentina takes on Jordan in their final 2026 World Cup group stage fixture, with tournament top scorer Lionel Messi named among the substitutes rather than in the starting lineup.
Messi has been in scintillating form throughout Argentina's opening two World Cup matches, netting a hat-trick against Algeria before adding a brace against Austria, cementing his status as the most prolific scorer in World Cup history.
His outstanding finishing has propelled the defending champions to back-to-back wins. Heading into the Jordan encounter, Argentina had already secured first place in Group J.
"Leo [Messi] will be on the bench, that's where he will start," Lionel Scaloni revealed ahead of the match in a candid exchange with veteran Argentine journalist Enrique Macaya Márquez, 91, who is covering his 18th World Cup. "I'm only sharing this because it's you asking, otherwise I'd probably keep it to myself."
"I'll keep the starting lineup to myself," Scaloni added, "but I can tell you that Leo will start later."
Argentina's Confirmed Lineup vs. Jordan
Starting XI (4-4-2): E. Martínez; Simeone, Otamendi, Senesi, Tagliafico; Palacios, Paredes, Lo Celso, Paz; Alvarez, L. Martinez
Subs: Rulli (GK), Muso (GK), Molina, Montiel, Romero, L.Martínez, Medina, Barco, De Paul, Fernández, Mac Allister, Almada, González, López, Messi
What Role Will Messi Play For Argentina
Messi will remain a key figure for La Albiceleste as the knockout stages approach, with Scaloni simply looking to manage his minutes following the superstar's 39th birthday earlier this week, while also giving fringe squad members the opportunity to feature in this low-stakes clash against Jordan.
"Those who will play [against Jordan] deserve it," Scaloni said. "They are all part of this roster and they deserve huge credit for what we've achieved so far. The guys that, when they don't play, are up the next day and are the first that want to play. My hope as a manager is that the team plays the same way."
Nevertheless, Scaloni hinted that Messi would likely make an appearance off the bench, where he'll aim to extend his remarkable tournament tally and further strengthen his grip on the Golden Boot.
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Other key Argentina starters, including midfield regulars Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul, have also been rested. In their place, Scaloni will field Giovanni Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes and Exequiel Palacios — the very same midfield trio he used in his debut as La Albiceleste's head coach against Guatemala back in 2018.
Argentina have already confirmed a round of 32 matchup against Cabo Verde, where Scaloni is expected to field his strongest available side, with Messi spearheading the charge for consecutive World Cup triumphs.