Messi to Start on the Bench

Lionel Scaloni has confirmed the World Cup's all-time leading scorer won't be in the starting XI against Jordan. With qualification already secured, Argentina's coach is giving his reserves their moment.

Match Overview

• KickoffJune 27, 11pm
• VenueDallas
• Messi's World Cup Goals18
• Argentina's Group Stage Record2-0-0
• Jordan's Points0
• Goals Scored by Messi This Tournament5

The Rotation Call

At Friday's press conference, Scaloni didn't dance around it: "Leo is going to the bench. He'll start later. I don't have the lineup confirmed yet. We'll decide tomorrow."

It's the luxury of a team that's already through. Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in their opener — all three goals from Messi, a hat-trick that announced his arrival. Then came a 2-0 win over Austria, with Messi adding two more. Five goals in two games. The number 10 hasn't just carried Argentina into the knockout rounds; he's become the World Cup's all-time top scorer with 18 goals, surpassing the previous record.

But against an already-eliminated Jordan side that hasn't earned a single point, Scaloni is looking at his bench. And he's been clear: this isn't charity. "Those who are going to play tomorrow deserve to play. They're part of the squad. They have merit for what they've done. When they play, they're the first ones in training the next day. As a coach, I can only give minutes, so I give them. Not just because they haven't been playing. They deserve it."

He pushed back against any suggestion that the opponent factored into his thinking. "The decision about who plays tomorrow isn't related to who we're going to face. Preferring someone would be disrespectful. I don't prefer anyone. I'd want to be world champion tomorrow. They're difficult opponents."

Argentina's Group Stage So Far

Match 1: Argentina 3-0 Algeria (Hat-trick)

Messi scored all three goals in the opener, setting the tone for Argentina's campaign and putting himself on track to break the World Cup scoring record.

Match 2: Argentina 2-0 Austria (Brace)

Messi added two more, bringing his tournament total to five and his all-time World Cup tally to 18 — making him the competition's highest scorer in history.

What the Bench Means

Scaloni wouldn't reveal who's replacing Messi in the starting XI, nor did he offer hints about the rest of the lineup. But the subtext is clear: Argentina is three-time world champion, already qualified, and facing a team that's been outmatched in every match. This is the moment to give fringe players minutes, test combinations, and keep your best player fresh for what comes next.

Messi's 18 World Cup goals aren't just a number — they're the product of five tournaments, 26 matches, and a career spent chasing the one trophy that eluded him until 2022. Now, in 2026, he's adding to that legacy with every goal. But even legends need rest, and Scaloni knows it.

Argentina's Path Through Group J

• June 21 Argentina 3-0 Algeria — Messi hat-trick secures dominant opening win
• June 24 Argentina 2-0 Austria — Messi brace clinches knockout qualification
• June 27 Argentina vs Jordan — Final group match in Dallas at 11pm

FAQ

Argentina has already qualified for the knockout rounds, and Jordan has been eliminated. Scaloni is using this match to give playing time to squad members who haven't featured as much, while keeping Messi fresh for the more challenging matches ahead. It's a common rotation strategy when a team has already secured its place in the next round.

Lionel Messi, with 18 goals across five World Cup tournaments. He surpassed the previous record during this tournament, adding five goals in Argentina's first two matches of the 2026 edition.

Scaloni confirmed Messi will "start later," indicating he's expected to come off the bench at some point during the match. This gives him some game time while still managing his workload.

Argentina has qualified for the knockout rounds and will face an opponent determined by the final group standings. The exact matchup will be confirmed after all Group J matches conclude.