A break for Messi after 18 goals: Scaloni speaks

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made a significant decision for the final Group J match of the 2026 World Cup. Captain Lionel Messi will start on the bench against Jordan. Announced at the official press conference, the decision reflects Argentina's aim to rest their star player for the demanding knockout rounds, having already finished top of the group and secured the round of 32.

The decision to rest Messi came despite his extraordinary form in the tournament. The all-time leading scorer netted a full 5 goals in the first two matches. Scoring his first World Cup hat-trick in the 3-0 win over Algeria in the opener, Messi then added two more goals in the 2-0 win over Austria to take the World Cup's all-time goal record to 18. With those two wins, Argentina had already secured first place in Group J.

Argentina having technically nothing to play for in the Jordan match gives Scaloni room for wholesale rotation. With Jordan eliminated and Algeria and Austria battling for second place in the group, the game's impact on the standings is also limited. This made it easier for Argentina, one of the tournament favorites, to decide to protect the star names in their squad.

Messi starting on the bench could also affect his chances of keeping his lead in the Golden Boot race. With the captain leading the race on 5 goals, four players sit just one goal behind, while France star Kylian Mbappe is two goals back. Mbappe failing to score in the 4-1 win over Norway helped Messi keep his lead. Scaloni's decision aims to take Argentina into the knockout rounds in their strongest and freshest form; the captain is also expected to come on during the match if needed.

Image: Foot Mercato