Lionel Messi to start on bench as Argentina face Jordan in World Cup

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed that Lionel Messi will begin the Group F match against Jordan on the bench and will be introduced later in the game. Scaloni noted Messi’s five goals in the tournament have made him the all‑time leading scorer at World Cups and that Argentina have already secured first place in the group.

Jordanian coach Jamal Selami expressed enthusiasm about the encounter, saying his team is eager to face the world champions despite knowing Messi may only come on as a substitute. Jordan have lost both of their group games and are already eliminated from advancing to the knockout stage. The match is scheduled for 4 July, with Argentina’s next round‑of‑16 opponent set to be Cape Verde.

Both sides recognize the significance of the fixture: Argentina can rest key players before the knockout round, while Jordan aims to showcase its footballing progress on the world stage.