What Lionel Scaloni Said About Messi Not Starting Against Jordan
Argentina have already secured first place in Group J, but Lionel Messi is still expected to feature against Jordan. Lionel Scaloni has confirmed the captain will play, although he is likely to come off the bench as Argentina prepare for the knockout stage.
June 27, 2026: Argentina have already done the hard work in Group J. Wins over Algeria and Austria in their first two matches secured their place in the Round of 32 as group winners. As a result, their final group-stage clash against Jordan on Saturday has little impact on their qualification, giving head coach Lionel Scaloni the chance to rotate his squad ahead of the knockout stage.
Despite the match carrying little significance, Lionel Messi is expected to feature. Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Scaloni confirmed that the Argentine captain will play but is unlikely to start. "Leo will come on later in the match. I have already decided the team, and it will be announced officially tomorrow," Scaloni said.
Messi celebrated his 39th birthday on Wednesday and has been in sensational form at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Argentina have scored five goals in the tournament so far, with Messi finding the net on every occasion. The World Cup's all-time leading scorer now has another opportunity to add to his remarkable tally if he features against Jordan.
Scaloni Set to Rotate Squad Against Jordan
With Messi expected to begin on the bench, Argentine media outlet TyC Sports reported that young midfielder Nico Paz could be handed a starting role. Scaloni is also expected to make several other changes as he looks to keep his key players fresh before the knockout rounds.
Defender Gonzalo Montiel has recovered from the muscle injury he suffered against Austria and could return at right-back. Nicolas Tagliafico is expected to start on the left side of defence, while Leandro Paredes is likely to return to the midfield. Either Exequiel Palacios or Valentin Barco could partner him, with Giuliano Simeone and Giovani Lo Celso also pushing for places in the starting XI.
The squad rotation comes with Argentina already assured of top spot in Group J. Scaloni is expected to use the opportunity to give valuable minutes to players who have featured less during the tournament while ensuring his regular starters remain fresh for the Round of 32.
🚨 BREAKING: Leo Messi will be on the bench for Argentina vs Jordan. 🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/Z0fF1I7Kuj
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 26, 2026
Tagliafico Praises Messi After Birthday Celebrations
Before the match, Nicolas Tagliafico also spoke about Messi's incredible form and insisted the captain is performing even better than he did during Argentina's victorious 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar.
"Messi is still the same as he was in the 2022 Qatar World Cup. I would even say he is playing even better now," Tagliafico said, praising the veteran forward's influence on the team.
Argentina's squad also celebrated Messi's 39th birthday with specially designed T-shirts and a cake-cutting ceremony inside the team camp. Tagliafico said those moments help strengthen the bond within the squad.
"I think it was something very special. When you spend so much time together and see each other every day, these little moments become very important. We all enjoyed the celebration and had a great time together," he said.
Argentina will now look to finish the group stage with a perfect record before turning their full attention to the knockout rounds, where they will continue their bid to defend the FIFA World Cup title.
