Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni announced that Lionel Messi will start the upcoming group stage match against Jordan on the substitutes’ bench. According to reports from Fabrizio Romano, the decision aims to manage the forward’s workload after his scoring performances against Algeria and Austria secured Argentina’s advancement to the Round of 16.
Why will Lionel Messi start on the bench against Jordan?
Argentina has already secured first place in their group following two consecutive victories. This mathematical certainty allows Lionel Scaloni to rotate his squad ahead of the knockout rounds. Scaloni confirmed to Fabrizio Romano that the player will not be in the starting lineup for the match against Jordan but is expected to play several minutes during the second half.
This tactical shift follows Messi’s intense involvement in the opening matches. In the match against Algeria, the forward was substituted in the 80th minute. Conversely, he played the full duration of the subsequent match against Austria. Scaloni’s decision prioritizes physical recovery to ensure Messi remains available for the high-intensity matches in the 1/16 finals and beyond.
By scoring five goals in this tournament so far, Messi currently holds the top position in the Golden Boot standings for the ongoing competition.
How has Messi’s scoring record changed during this tournament?
Messi’s recent performances have fundamentally altered the World Cup all-time scoring charts. His performance in the opening match against Algeria included a debut World Cup hat-trick. This scoring burst allowed him to draw level with Miroslav Klose in the historical rankings.
Following a two-goal performance against Austria, Messi has since become the outright leader in goals scored in World Cup history. His current tally stands at 18 goals. The following table summarizes his recent scoring progression in this tournament:
| Opponent | Goals Scored | Tournament Total |
|---|---|---|
| Algeria | 3 | 3 |
| Austria | 2 | 5 |
This rapid accumulation of goals places significant pressure on opposing defenses as Argentina moves into the knockout stages. The efficiency of the Argentine attack has been a primary driver of their current group standing.
Will Lionel Messi retire after this World Cup?
Questions regarding the end of the Barcelona legend’s career persist, but Messi has declined to provide a definitive timeline. During a recent interview, Messi stated that he is not thinking about the distant perspective of retirement. He emphasized that his focus remains entirely on the present moment.
Messi noted that his continued participation in professional football depends on his ability to maintain high physical standards. He told reporters that he will continue to play as long as he can provide maximum effort, maintain his physical form, and remain competitive at the necessary level to assist his teammates. This approach suggests his international career will continue based on physical readiness rather than a predetermined exit date.
Monitor the official starting lineups released approximately one hour before kickoff to confirm exactly when Messi enters the pitch against Jordan.
Frequently Asked Questions
According to coach Lionel Scaloni, Messi will start on the bench and is expected to enter the game during the second half.
Messi has scored 18 goals, making him the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history.
Yes, two wins in the group stage have ensured Argentina’s advancement to the Round of 16 from first place.
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