Lionel Messi, the top scorer in World Cup history, will not start when defending champion Argentina faces Jordan on Saturday night in its final Group J match. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed on Friday, two days after Messi's 39th birthday, that the team captain will begin on the bench. However, Scaloni indicated through an interpreter that Messi “will come in a little bit later.” The coach did not specify when Messi might substitute into the game or reveal his starting lineup against Jordan, a first-time World Cup participant that has lost its first two matches.
Messi's Record-Breaking Performance So Far
Messi has scored all five of Argentina's goals in the first two group matches, bringing his career World Cup total to 18 goals across six tournaments. He recorded his first-ever World Cup hat trick in a 3-0 win over Algeria, tying the previous career scoring record of 16 goals held by Germany's Miroslav Klose. Messi broke that record with two goals in a 2-0 victory over Austria on Monday at AT&T Stadium, home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, where the group finale will also be played.
Historical Context and Other Contenders
Klose played 24 World Cup matches for Germany, concluding his fourth tournament by winning the 2014 final 1-0 in extra time over Messi and Argentina. France's Kylian Mbappe matched Klose at 16 goals with two in France's 3-0 win over Iraq earlier Monday. Mbappe, who has four goals in the tournament, did not score in France's 4-1 win over Norway on Friday in his final group match. Messi, widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, has made 201 appearances for Argentina, including a FIFA-record 28 World Cup matches. He has scored in six consecutive World Cup appearances, joining France striker Just Fontaine and Brazil's Jairzinho as the only players to achieve that feat.
Injury and Rest Considerations
Messi had been dealing with a minor hamstring injury while playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, which slowed his preparation leading into the World Cup. While there have been no indications of any issues since the tournament began, Argentina faces a demanding schedule. The knockout stage for La Albiceleste begins next Friday in South Florida. In the expanded 48-team tournament, that would be the first of five matches in 17 days if they advance to the final on July 19.
Scaloni's Strategy and Team Outlook
Scaloni's decision to rest Messi reflects Argentina's secure position as Group J winners, having already qualified for the knockout stage. The match against Jordan, which has lost both previous group games, offers an opportunity to give key players rest and assess squad depth. Scaloni did not provide details on when Messi might enter the game, but the star forward is expected to play a crucial role in Argentina's pursuit of a second consecutive World Cup title.
