# Lionel Messi to Begin on Bench for Argentina's Final Group Match Against Jordan

*Lionel Messi will start on the bench in Argentina's final group game against Jordan.*

June 27, 2026 · Sports

## At a glance

- Lionel Messi will start on the bench for Argentina's final group game against Jordan.
- Argentina has already secured the top spot in Group J with wins over Austria and Algeria.
- Messi has scored all of Argentina's goals in the tournament, becoming the leading World Cup scorer.
- Argentina will face the second-place team from Group H in the last 32.
- Jordan has been eliminated from the tournament.

Lionel Messi will start Argentina's final group game against Jordan on Saturday from the bench, coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed. With Argentina already assured of the top spot in Group J, Scaloni is expected to make several changes. Messi, who turned 39 on Wednesday, has scored all of Argentina's goals so far in the tournament, making him the leading scorer in World Cup history.

## Argentina's Path to the Last 32

Argentina secured their place in the last 32 with wins over Austria (2-0) and Algeria (3-0). They will face the runner-up from Group H, which includes Spain, Uruguay, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia.

## Messi's Form and Team Morale

Despite his age, Messi's performance has been stellar. Nicolas Tagliafico, the left back, believes Messi is playing at the same level as in 2022, if not better. The team celebrated Messi's birthday with specially made T-shirts and a cake, highlighting the strong camaraderie within the squad.

## Jordan's Campaign

Jordan, making their World Cup debut, have already been eliminated from the tournament. This match serves as a dead-rubber for them as well, allowing both teams to experiment with their lineups.

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/sports/messi-benched-argentina-world-cup-group-match