26/06/2026 22:30 - Deportes
Argentina's head coach, Lionel Scaloni, confirmed in a press conference that Lionel Messi will start on the bench in the match against Jordania, corresponding to the third round of Group J in the 2026 World Cup. The decision aims to preserve the Argentine captain, who celebrated his 39th birthday on June 24 and has accumulated minutes in the first two group stage matches.
"We're going to make rotations; this is an opportunity for other players to get minutes and for Lionel to rest," Scaloni told the press in Dallas, where Argentina will play its final group stage match.
Context for international readers: Lionel Scaloni is the highly successful coach who led Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the 2024 Copa América. He is known for smart squad management and player rotation.
The Argentine National Team has secured its place in the Round of 16 as Group J winners with 6 points and a +5 goal difference. Scaloni's team won both of their previous matches and doesn't depend on any result to maintain their leadership in the group.
Jordania, Saturday's opponent, is mathematically eliminated with zero points in the tournament.
Group J consists of Argentina, Jordania, and two other teams. Only the top two advance to the knockout stage.
Scaloni announced that up to 7 players could make their World Cup 2026 debut:
Besides Messi, Scaloni confirmed that Cuti Romero (Cristian Romero) will not start due to a knee injury he's been carrying since previous matches. The center-back will be protected ahead of the tournament's knockout phase.
"Cuti" Romero is Argentina's starting center-back and a key defensive piece. He plays for Tottenham Hotspur in the English Premier League and is known for his aggressive, committed style of play.
| Stage | Date | Time (Argentina) | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group J vs Jordania | Saturday 06/27/2026 | 23:00 | Dallas, Texas, USA |
| Round of 16 | 07/03/2026 | 19:00 | Miami, Florida, USA |
Argentina will face the runner-up of Group H in the Round of 16. The current Group H standings are: Spain with 4 points, Uruguay with 2 points, Cape Verde with 2 points, and Saudi Arabia with 0 points.
Lionel Messi arrived at this 2026 World Cup as the all-time top scorer in World Cup history with 18 goals. He also holds 4 Guinness World Records: most goals (18), most matches played (28), most victories (18), and most minutes played (2,489).
Messi, considered by many as the greatest football player of all time, announced that the 2026 World Cup will be his last. He currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS) in the United States.
Source: Olé (Argentine sports newspaper)
Alfredo S. Quiroga
