Argentina coach benches Messi for Jordan match after World Cup qualification
Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed on June 27 that captain Lionel Messi will start on the bench for the team's final 2026 World Cup group match against Jordan. Argentina have already secured a place in the Round of 32 after victories over Algeria and Austria, with Messi contributing all five of the team's goals so far in the tournament. Scaloni said he intends to rest the Inter Miami star as the knockout stage approaches, while aiming to maintain the same style of play and control against Jordan. For football fans, especially those following Messi's career, the decision signals careful workload management ahead of the high-stakes knockout rounds. It also highlights Argentina's squad depth, as the side can rest its talisman and still expect to progress. Bettors and fantasy players may want to adjust expectations, knowing Messi's impact could be limited in this particular game but likely to return for the Round of 32. While the match outcome will not affect Argentina's qualification, watching how the team adapts without Messi offers insight into tactical flexibility and the readiness of other players to step up in crucial knockout matches.