Messi gives up World Cup starting spot for teammates
USA - Coach Lionel Scaloni revealed captain Lionel Messi asked to bench self, give playing time to teammates in Argentina 3-1 win against Jordan at World Cup 2026.
After winning first two games against Algeria 3-0 and Austria 2-0, thanks to five Messi goals, Argentina secured top spot in Group J. Thus, in final match against Jordan on June 27, Scaloni changed 9 starting positions, keeping only goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and forward Lautaro Martinez.
At minute 60, Messi entered pitch, made quick impact. Minute 80, he scored free kick, sealed 3-1 win, broke two more records. M10 became first player scoring in 7 consecutive matches, first scoring 6 goals outside box at World Cup. He raised tournament goal record to 19, three more than Kylian Mbappe (France) and Miroslav Klose (Germany).
Lionel Messi (second from left) scores third goal for Argentina from free kick against Jordan in World Cup Group J, Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, June 27, 2026. Photo: AP
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After match, Scaloni said Messi fit enough to play full 90 minutes, but asked to bench self to give teammates chances, save energy for round of 16. "Messi did not underestimate opponent, could have extended records," 48-year-old coach said. "But Messi prioritizes team, wants teammates to play more. That says everything about him, he does not care about stats."
Scaloni also pleased giving bench players chances, testing tactics. Notable experiment: Exequiel Palacios played right-back instead of central midfielder. Scaloni explained this rotated squad, as Nahuel Molina needed rest after long continuous play, while Gonzalo Montiel could not be risked.
*Messi free kick seals win.
Argentina head coach then respected Cape Verde, team shocking tournament by drawing all three group matches (Spain 0-0, Uruguay 2-2, Saudi Arabia 0-0) to reach knockout stage in World Cup debut. "Based on what we saw, must be very careful. They fast, technical, play well," he said of African opponent.
At post-match press conference, teammate forward Giuliano Simeone admired Messi. "He best player in world, greatest of all time, keeps proving it," son of coach Diego Simeone said. "I see him daily in training: how he trains, cares for self. All amazing, he has special magic."
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