Argentina to Rest Messi Against Jordan

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will not be included in the starting line-up for his side’s final group-stage match against Jordan, despite the reigning world champions having already secured qualification for the knockout stage.

The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 am Bangladesh time on Sunday, with Argentina expected to make sweeping changes to the team that featured in their previous outing. Scaloni indicated that Messi will instead be introduced as a second-half substitute as the coaching staff carefully manages the workload of their captain ahead of the knockout rounds.

Addressing reporters during the pre-match press conference on Friday, Scaloni said the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner would not start the match.

“Leo will play tomorrow as a substitute, in the second half,” the Argentina coach 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.”

His comments reinforce the view that Argentina are prioritising squad rotation after securing progression from the group phase. With qualification already guaranteed, the coaching staff appear keen to preserve key players while also giving valuable competitive minutes to those who have played limited roles so far in the tournament.

Media reports have suggested that as many as nine changes could be made to Argentina’s starting XI against the Asian side. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez is among the few players expected to retain his place, although even his inclusion is not considered certain.

Should Scaloni decide to rotate in goal as well, either Gerónimo Rulli or Juan Musso could be handed an opportunity. Both goalkeepers were part of Argentina’s squad at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar but did not make a competitive appearance during the tournament.

Several players who have yet to feature prominently could also be given the chance to impress. Midfielder Nico Paz, defender Marco Senesi, midfielder Giovani Lo Celso, full-back Valentín Barco, and winger Nicolás González are all in contention for starting roles. Experienced midfielder Leandro Paredes and veteran defender Nicolás Otamendi, who have so far had limited opportunities in the starting line-up during the competition, are also expected to feature.

In attack, in-form striker Julián Álvarez is likely to lead the frontline as Argentina continue to balance competitiveness with player rotation.

Despite the anticipated changes, Scaloni insisted there would be no compromise in Argentina’s style of play or ambition to secure another victory.

“The team will play in exactly the same way as we want it to,” he said. “Jordan are a good team, and we cannot take anything for granted. We want to make a few adjustments compared with the previous match, but our approach will remain the same. We will continue to dominate possession and look to control the game.”

Scaloni’s comments underline Argentina’s determination to maintain momentum heading into the knockout phase while ensuring the squad remains fresh for the more demanding fixtures that lie ahead. Rotating players at this stage also allows the coaching staff to assess the readiness of squad members who may be called upon 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.