Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that Lionel Messi will begin Argentina's final FIFA World Cup 2026 group match against Jordan from the bench, with the two-time world champions having already clinched top spot in their group and a place in the Round of 32.

Scaloni made the admission in an unusually candid exchange with a journalist, suggesting the disclosure was only possible because of a personal connection. "It's a pleasure to be able to answer your question. We've known each other for a long time," the Argentina coach said. "I'll answer your question because it's you — Leo is going to start on the bench. I would never reply to any journalist on this topic right now… but because it is coming from you, I will tell you Messi will not start."

He added a note of personal warmth, telling the journalist, "I respect you too much. I am so proud to see you here."

Despite the rest, Messi is expected to enter the game as a second-half substitute, meaning the final group fixture against Jordan is unlikely to pass without a contribution from the captain.

A record-breaking group stage

Messi has been in extraordinary form throughout the group stage, scoring all five of Argentina's goals across their first two matches. Those strikes take his overall World Cup tally to 18 goals in six tournaments — a figure that stands alone in the history of the competition.

He recorded his first-ever hat trick at a World Cup in a 3-0 victory over Algeria, a result that drew him level with Miroslav Klose of Germany on 16 career World Cup goals — the previous all-time record. He then surpassed Klose's mark by netting both goals in a 2-0 win over Austria on Monday, played at the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, the same venue set to host the group finale against Jordan.

Widely regarded as the greatest player of all time, Messi has made 201 appearances for Argentina, including a FIFA-record 28 World Cup matches. He has now scored in six consecutive World Cup games — a feat shared only by France's Just Fontaine and Brazil's Jairzinho among all players in the tournament's history.