ARLINGTON, Texas — Lionel Messi will begin Argentina‘s final group stage match against Jordan on Saturday from the bench, as confirmed by coach Lionel Scaloni.
“Leo will start as a substitute tomorrow and will come in later. We’ll announce the lineup tomorrow,” Scaloni stated during a news conference on Friday ahead of the match at AT&T Stadium.
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Argentina has already secured a spot in the round of 32 as the Group J winners, having triumphed over Algeria and Austria. The reigning champions are set to face the Group H runners-up, Cape Verde, next Friday in Miami.
Scaloni further explained, “The decision regarding the starting lineup is not influenced by our next opponent.”
Messi is currently the team’s top scorer in this tournament, with five goals in the first two matches, which also broke the record for the most goals in men’s World Cup history, bringing his tally to 18. He netted a hat trick against Algeria and added two more against Austria.
The Inter Miami star is leading the Golden Boot race.
He recently dealt with a minor injury to his left hamstring, which had an impact on his preparation for the World Cup.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could remain the only regular starter in a lineup that may include several new faces. Nico Paz, who made his World Cup debut by coming on for Messi late in the opening match against Algeria, is expected to start instead of him.
“We hope the team continues to perform the same way. That’s our goal,” Scaloni noted.
“Jordan is a solid opponent, and we aren’t taking anything for granted. We’ll look to adjust a few things from our last match while maintaining the objective of controlling the ball and dominating the game.”
Following the match against Jordan, Argentina will head to Miami for their round of 32 face-off.