Argentina rests Lionel Messi for World Cup group stage match against Jordan
CBS Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 26, 2026, 11:44 PM
Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Lionel Messi will start on the bench for Argentina's World Cup 2026 group stage finale against Jordan. Coach Lionel Scaloni aims to preserve Messi’s sharpness ahead of knockout rounds, having already scored five goals in two matches. Argentina seeks to solidify its position in Group J while defending the title. Messi, leading the golden boot race, is also the all-time tournament goalscorer with a record 18 goals, two ahead of Kylian Mbappe.
- •Messi has scored five goals in two games this tournament.
- •Argentina has won both of its group stage matches so far.
- •The match against Jordan is scheduled for later today.
- •Scaloni plans to use Messi in the second half.
- 11:49 PMCBS Sports — Lionel Messi will start World Cup match on bench for Argentina against Jordan in group stage finale
- 11:44 PMYahoo Sports — Argentina boss to rest Lionel Messi for group stage finale against Jordan
"The Argentina boss will hold back Messi to preserve his sharpness, despite a battle to win the golden boot and preserve his all-time record as the tournament’s top scorer
"Messi has five goals already in the tournament and Argentina have clinched first place in Group J
Sources
External links- CBS SportsJun 26, 2026, 11:49 PMLionel Messi will start World Cup match on bench for Argentina against Jordan in group stage finale
Messi has five goals already in the tournament and Argentina have clinched first place in Group J
- Yahoo SportsJun 26, 2026, 11:44 PMArgentina boss to rest Lionel Messi for group stage finale against Jordan
The Argentina boss will hold back Messi to preserve his sharpness, despite a battle to win the golden boot and preserve his all-time record as the tournament’s top scorer
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