Messi to start on bench as Argentina rotate against Jordan

5 goals in 2 World Cup matches have already taken Lionel Messi to the top of the tournament scoring charts, yet Argentina are ready to leave their captain on the bench against Jordan. That's the luxury Lionel Scaloni has earned after consecutive victories secured qualification and top spot in Group J before the final round of fixtures.

For Argentina, this is no longer about survival. It's about preparation. Jordan, meanwhile, are playing for pride after losing their opening two matches in their first FIFA World Cup appearance. The defending champions can rotate without risking their position, giving valuable minutes to squad players before the knockout rounds begin

Argentina arrive unbeaten after defeating Algeria and Austria, with Messi scoring all five of the team's goals so far. The 39-year-old also became the men's all-time leading World Cup goalscorer during the victory over Austria, adding another milestone to his remarkable international career.

Scaloni confirmed on Friday that Messi will begin the match on the bench, although he is expected to feature later in the game. The decision isn't injury-related but reflects Argentina's desire to manage workloads before the knockout phase.

A quick comparison underlines why rotation makes sense:

1. 1. Group points: Argentina 6, already assured of first place.
2. 2. Messi's contribution: 5 goals from Argentina's 5 tournament goals.
3. 3. Knockout gap: Around a week before the Round of 32, allowing controlled minutes rather than another full match. 

Scaloni is also expected to hand opportunities to several fringe players, with Julián Álvarez, Nico Paz, Leandro Paredes and Nicolás Tagliafico among those tipped for increased involvement. Rotation has been part of Argentina's planning ever since qualification was secured.

Jordan's debut World Cup campaign hasn't produced the results they hoped for. Defeats to Austria and Algeria ended their hopes of reaching the knockout stage before facing the tournament favourites.

That doesn't remove the occasion's significance. Facing the reigning world champions remains one of the biggest matches in Jordanian football history, regardless of whether Messi starts.

Head coach Jamal Sellami expects Argentina to remain highly competitive despite anticipated squad changes. His side is likely to defend deep and look for moments in transition against a rotated Argentine lineup.

The tactical intrigue centres on how Argentina function without Messi from the opening whistle. They've become increasingly reliant on his finishing during the group stage, with every Argentine goal coming from their captain. That makes this an important rehearsal for the supporting cast before the knockout rounds.

Jordan, meanwhile, will try to frustrate Argentina with a compact defensive shape. Sellami has already acknowledged the challenge, suggesting his players must remain disciplined against one of the tournament's strongest teams

History offers another interesting comparison. Argentina also rested Messi during the final group match of the 2024 Copa América before the knockout rounds, demonstrating Scaloni's willingness to prioritise freshness over momentum when qualification is secure.

Whether Messi plays 20 minutes or 45 may ultimately matter more than whether he starts. Argentina's bigger objective is arriving in the Round of 32 with a healthy squad and rhythm across the entire group.

The result could be secondary. The more revealing statistic may be how many minutes Scaloni gives his captain before the knockout stage begins—and whether Argentina can finally score without him.