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Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni has officially confirmed that Lionel Messi will start on the bench for the final FIFA World Cup 2026 group game against Jordan.
With Argentina having already secured the top spot and qualification for the Round of 32, the decision was made to rest the team’s talisman, though he is expected to see action as a substitute in the second half.
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“It’s a pleasure to be able to answer your question. We’ve known each other for a long time. When I played in Argentina, I never stopped watching him. I’ll answer your question because it’s you Leo is going to start on the bench.
“I would never reply to any journalist on this topic right now… but because it is coming from you, I will tell you Messi will not start,” the coach said.
He added words of admiration, saying, “I respect you too much, I am so proud to see you here.”
Messi scored all five goals for Argentina in the first two group matches, and now has 18 goals overall in his six World Cups.
He had his first-ever hat trick in the tournament in a 3-0 win over Algeria to tie the career scoring record at 16 goals that had been held by Miroslav Klose of Germany.
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He broke that mark with the goals in a 2-0 win over Austria on Monday at the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys, where the group finale will be played.
Considered by many to be the greatest player of all time, Messi has made 201 international appearances for Argentina, including a FIFA-record 28 World Cup matches.
He has scored in six consecutive World Cup games, joining France striker Just Fontaine and Brazil great Jairzinho as only players to do that.
