Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has announced that Lionel Messi will not be in the starting lineup for the team’s final group stage fixture against Jordan. The 39-year-old forward, who currently holds the record for most World Cup goals with 18, is resting following a prolific start to the tournament.
Scaloni clarified that the decision to bench the Golden Boot leader, who has scored five goals in two matches, is not due to any physical fitness issues. Instead, it is a strategic choice made after consulting with the player to maintain his match rhythm. Messi is expected to see playing time during the second half of the match, which takes place in Dallas this Sunday at 03:00 BST.
The manager emphasized that this lineup choice is independent of future tactical plans. While respecting Jordan’s quick offensive threat, Scaloni intends for Argentina to control the game through ball possession. Meanwhile, the race for the Golden Boot remains competitive, as Ousmane Dembele has joined Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland at four goals following a recent hat-trick.
