World Cup: Messi to start on the bench against Jordan
By Joel Masibo, June 27, 2026Argentina captain Lionel Messi is expected to begin from the bench when the reigning world champions face Jordan in their final group-stage fixture of the FIFA World Cup 2026 in Dallas on Sunday, June 28, 2026, with coach Lionel Scaloni opting to rotate his squad ahead of the knockout rounds.
Messi has been in outstanding form, scoring five goals in Argentina’s opening two matches to lead the tournament’s Golden Boot race. However, Scaloni confirmed during his pre-match press briefing that the 39-year-old will not be included in the starting XI.
Messi benched
“Leo will go to the bench. I’ll hold off on the final starting line-up, but Leo will come in later,” Scaloni said.
Having already guaranteed first place in Group J and a place in the Round of 32, Argentina intends to use the encounter to rest several regular starters while handing opportunities to players yet to feature in the tournament.
Scaloni praised the commitment shown by the entire squad, stressing that every player has earned the chance to contribute.
“The great merit of everything that’s been done goes to the boys who are always there and train to the max,” Scaloni said. “I think that when there’s an opportunity, there are great players who also deserve to come in. And the idea is for the team to play in the same way.” He added.
World Cup legacy
Even with a reduced role against Jordan, Messi could still add to his remarkable World Cup legacy if introduced during the match. The Argentine legend currently tops the tournament’s scoring chart and recently became the competition’s all-time leading scorer with 18 World Cup goals. He is, however, being closely chased by France striker Kylian Mbappe in both the Golden Boot race and the all-time scoring standings.
Argentina defender Nicolas Tagliafico believes Messi is performing at a level comparable to, or even better than, his displays during the 2022 World Cup triumph.
“In Leo, you see everything; he’s at the exact same level he was at in 2022, or even better,” left-back Nicolas Tagliafico added. “He’s enjoying it, and we’re enjoying it as well.”
Jordan, who have already been eliminated from the tournament, are still preparing for a difficult challenge regardless of Argentina’s team selection.
Head coach Jamal Sellami admitted his side cannot predict Scaloni’s plans but insisted the South American champions possess quality throughout their squad.
“We have no idea what the Argentina coach will do with regards his starting line-up but, whoever the players are, the team is exceptional and every player deserves his place in this team,” Jordan coach Jamal Sellami said.