Lionel Messi has been in brilliant form so far at the 2026 World Cup.
The eight-time Ballon dโOr winner scored his first hat-trick of the tournament as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in the first game of their title defense.
In two more matches against Austria, Messi surpassed Miroslav Klose and became the top scorer in the history of the World Cup.
The great man turned 39 this week and remains the cityโs most popular footballer. So fans in Dallas heading to Jordanโs match against Argentina will be disappointed.
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Why doesnโt Lionel Messi play against Jordan?
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi will be among the substitutes for Saturdayโs match against Jordan at AT&T Stadium.
Not only did Argentina take the lead after two wins from two in Group J, but they also sealed their place as group winners. The Albiceleste already know that they will face Cape Verde in the round of 16 on July 3 in Miami.
Messiโs brilliant performances at the tournament so far do not mean Scaloni can overlook his advancing years, nor the fact that he has been battered by increasingly frequent muscle injuries at Inter Miami.
Ultimately, nothing depends on the match against the already eliminated Jordan, and Messi is a valuable commodity. With Argentina planning to challenge for the title in the tournament, this will likely be his last rest.
However, fans shouldnโt be too disappointed after Scaloni revealed plans to use Messi as a replacement.
โLeo will probably come on in the second half,โ Scaloni said.
โWe talked and agreed it was best, but obviously itโs also good for him to stay competitive. The decision on who plays is not about who plays in the next match.โ
MORE: Argentinaโs expected lineup for the Group J final against Jordan
Who is Argentina pushing against Jordan?
Scaloni could pick several starters against Jordan. Lautaro Martinez started both games alongside Messi in attack, but lost without scoring. Juliรกn Alvarez should start as he looks to improve his fitness and could be joined by Nico Paz.
Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez could also be rested, while Exequiel Palacios and Leandro Paredes will start in midfield.
Cristian Romero suffered a blow to his knee against Austria and is likely to remain alongside Lisandro Martinez, with the new centre-back pairing of Nicolas Otamendi and Marcos Senesi in mind.
Indeed, Scaloni could replace his entire back four, with Gonzalo Montiel and Nico Tagliafico replacing Nahuel Molina and Facundo Medina, who has a yellow card.