Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that captain Lionel Messi will not start his side’s final group-stage match against Jordan, despite the reigning world champions having already secured a place in the knockout stage.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 am Bangladesh time on Sunday, with Argentina expected to field a heavily rotated side. Scaloni revealed that Messi will instead feature as a second-half substitute, a decision aimed at managing the veteran forward’s workload ahead of the more demanding knockout fixtures.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference on Friday, the World Cup and two-time Copa América-winning coach confirmed that Messi would begin the game on the bench.
“Leo will play tomorrow as a substitute, in the second half,” Scaloni said. “We will announce the team tomorrow. The side we field for this match has no connection with the team that will play in the second round.”
The coach’s remarks suggest Argentina are focused on preserving the fitness of their key players while giving valuable game time to squad members who have featured less during the tournament. With qualification already secured, Scaloni has the opportunity to assess the depth of his squad without compromising preparations for the knockout phase.
Reports in the Argentine media indicate that as many as nine changes could be made to the starting line-up against the Asian side. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is among the few players tipped to retain his place, although even his selection is not guaranteed.
Should Scaloni decide to rotate in goal, either Gerónimo Rulli or Juan Musso could be handed an opportunity. Both goalkeepers were members of Argentina’s squad during the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar but did not make a competitive appearance throughout the tournament.
The match could also provide opportunities for several players seeking to establish themselves in the national team. Midfielder Nico Paz, defender Marco Senesi, midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, full-back Valentín Barco, and winger Nicolás González are all expected to be considered for starting roles. Experienced midfielder Leandro Paredes and veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi, who have yet to feature regularly in the starting XI during this competition, are also likely to be included.
Up front, in-form striker Julián Álvarez is expected to spearhead the attack as Argentina continue to balance competitiveness with sensible squad rotation.
Despite the anticipated changes, Scaloni insisted there would be no alteration to the team’s footballing philosophy.
“The team will play in the same way we always want it to,” he said. “Jordan are a good team. We cannot take anything for granted. We want to make a few changes compared with the previous match, but our intention to dominate possession and control the game will remain exactly the same.”
His comments reflect Argentina’s determination to maintain momentum heading into the knockout rounds while ensuring the squad remains physically fresh. The encounter also offers fringe players an opportunity to impress and strengthen their case for involvement later in the tournament.
Argentina’s probable starting XI: Emiliano Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Nicolás Otamendi, Marco Senesi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Giovani Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes, Valentín Barco; Nico Paz, Julián Álvarez, Nicolás González.
