Lionel Messi to start on bench for Argentina against Jordan

Lionel Messi is out of the starting lineup as expected for Argentina’s group stage finale with first place secured going into a matchup against Jordan, which is already eliminated from the knockout round. Coach Lionel Scaloni has suggested Messi, the all-time leading men’s World Cup scorer, could come off the bench at AT&T Stadium on Saturday night, three days after his 39th birthday. Nicolás Paz, who made his World Cup debut subbing in for Messi late in the 3-0 win over Algeria in the opener, is among nine different starters from the previous game, a 2-0 victory over Austria.

Lionel Messi will not start when defending World Cup champion Argentina plays its group finale.

World Cup top scorer Lionel Messi will start Argentina's final group match against Jordan on the bench, manager Lionel Scaloni confirms.

World Cup top scorer Lionel Messi will start Argentina's final group match against Jordan on the bench, manager Lionel Scaloni confirms.

Lionel Messi will start Argentina's final group stage match against Jordan on Saturday from the substitutes' bench, coach Lionel Scaloni said.

Argentina superstar Lionel Messi will get a deserved rest and start the final World Cup group stage match against Jordan on Saturday on the bench. "Messi will play a little bit later," coach Lionel Scaloni said in a news conference on Friday.

Lionel Messi will start Argentina's final group game against Jordan on Saturday on the bench with the reigning champions already assured of top spot, coach Lionel Scaloni said.Argentina have already sealed top spot in Group J after wins over Austria (2-0) and Algeria (3-0).

Lionel Messi, the top scorer in World Cup history, will not start when defending tournament champion and Group J winner Argentina plays Jordan on Saturday night in its last match before the knockout stage. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Friday, two days after Messi's 39th birthday, that Messi will begin the game on the bench, but also indicated that he “will come in a little bit later.” Scaloni didn't say when Messi might substitute into the match, or what his lineup would be against first-time World Cup participant Jordan.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni confirmed Friday that Leo Messi will begin the final World Cup group match on the bench.

Argentina will wrap up its Group J campaign at the 2026 World Cup this Saturday at 23:00 against Jordan. With first place and qualification for the round of 32 already secured, head coach Lionel Scalo...