Lionel Messi will start on the bench for Argentina’s World Cup 2026 group stage match against Jordan, as coach Lionel Scaloni plans to give him minutes in the second half. The defending champions have thrived with Messi’s five goals in two victories over Algeria and Austria. Messi leads the golden boot race, ahead of Kylian Mbappe and Ousmane Dembele, and is two goals clear as the tournament’s all-time top scorer. Scaloni’s decision aims to manage Messi’s fitness for the Group J finale.
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Argentina to Rest Lionel Messi for Final Group Stage Match
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