Messi on the Bench as Argentina Close Group Play Against Jordan in 2026 World Cup

Argentina have already clinched top spot in Group J and will rest regulars for the dead-rubber against Jordan, with Lionel Messi starting on the bench and likely to cameo later as coach Lionel Scaloni manages his workload ahead of the knockout rounds. The starting XI excludes Messi, instead deploying a rotated midfield of Lo Celso, Paredes and Palacios and forwards Alvarez and L. Martinez, as Argentina eyes the Round of 32 against Cabo Verde.