Defending champions Argentina will take a measured approach in their final Group J fixture against Jordan, with coach Lionel Scaloni confirming that captain Lionel Messi will begin the match on the bench as Argentina prepare for the knockout rounds with top spot already secured.
Argentina sealed the group championship after winning their opening two matches, allowing Scaloni the luxury of rotating heavily for the clash at AT&T Stadium. With a Round of 16 meeting against surprise package Cape Verde already confirmed, the Argentine coach is expected to experiment with personnel and tactical variations while protecting key players ahead of the knockout phase.
The biggest talking point before kickoff surrounded Messi’s availability, but Scaloni delivered the update in memorable fashion during Friday’s press conference. Legendary Argentine journalist Enrique Macaya Márquez, now 91 and covering his remarkable 18th World Cup, asked whether Messi would feature against Jordan.
Scaloni, clearly recognizing the stature of the veteran reporter, responded warmly before revealing his plans.
“It’s a pleasure answering a question from you,” Scaloni told Márquez. “You have covered 18 World Cups, which is incredible. If anyone else asked me, I probably wouldn’t answer, but because it’s you, I will say it — Messi will go to the bench tomorrow.”
The exchange drew admiration in Argentina, where Márquez remains one of the country’s most respected football voices after decades covering both the eras of Diego Maradona and Messi.
Beyond Messi’s status, Scaloni emphasized that Argentina’s mentality remains unchanged despite already qualifying comfortably.
“When playing with this shirt, the situation never changes,” he said. “It doesn’t matter whether points are needed or not. We always go out to win.”
The coach also hinted at tactical experimentation, noting Jordan’s preference for a five-man defensive line could offer an opportunity to test alternative systems before the knockout rounds.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s path became clearer after Spain defeated Uruguay 1-0, with Alex Baena’s low strike slipping through goalkeeper Fernando Muslera’s hands. The result ensured Spain avoided a last-32 showdown with Argentina, leaving the South Americans set to face Cape Verde instead.
Even with a heavily rotated side expected, Argentina will still enter Saturday’s match as overwhelming favorites, though the bigger objective may be fine-tuning their squad before the serious business of defending their world title begins.