Scaloni: 'Messi benched for final match'
Coach Lionel Scaloni said Argentina will rotate squad, test tactics. Lionel Messi benched for final Group J match against Jordan at World Cup 2026.
In pre-match press conference at AT&T Stadium, Dallas on June 26, Scaloni confirmed squad decisions unrelated to round of 16 opponents.
"Lineup not depend on next opponent. Choosing opponent disrespectful. We not want specific team. I want World Cup end tomorrow and we win," he said.
Coach Lionel Scaloni hugs Lionel Messi after subbing forward off in Argentina's 3-0 win over Algeria in Group J opener at World Cup 2026 at Kansas City Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, US on June 16, 2026. Photo: Reuters
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Asked by journalist Enrique Macaya Marquez about Messi - who started first two games and leads top scorer list with 5 goals - Scaloni confirmed 39-year-old superstar will bench. "Messi will enter later. I have lineup but will announce tomorrow. I answer because you asked," Argentina coach told 91-year-old journalist working his 18th World Cup.
Hours after press conference, debutant Cape Verde drew Saudi Arabia 0-0 to finish second in Group H and face Argentina in round of 16. Match at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami at 5:00 on July 4, Hanoi time.
According to La Nacion, Argentina will change almost entire starting lineup against Jordan, except goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez. Goal is to finish group stage well, keep squad fresh, prepare for knockout stage.
*Key moments of Argentina 2-0 Austria match.
Argentina guaranteed top spot, while Jordan lost both matches and eliminated. Still, Scaloni rates opponent hard to beat. "Jordan play 5-4-1, five defenders and three very fast attackers," he analyzed. "They troubled Algeria and Austria, only lost in decisive moments. We not complacent."
According to Scaloni, Argentina can adjust tactical system depending on match, coaching staff prepared multiple options. 48-year-old coach emphasized Jordan well-organized, dangerous in transition, especially through fast attackers.
Scaloni reiterated view on tactical diversity at World Cup 2026, where different styles work, from possession, counter-attack, to deep defense. Against Jordan, Argentina expected to maintain possession, pressure through ball movement and control, while limiting counters.
"We see different styles and all get results," he said. "Some control possession like Spain or Argentina, some counter, some defend deep. Paraguay is example, they trouble anyone. Hard to change identity completely, key is adjusting for each match."
Argentina coach also believes modern football lacks new things, most tactical ideas already exist, just renamed. He said: "Football like chess. Many things existed before, we just call them differently. Before we had number 8, 5, 10 midfielders, now central or box-to-box midfielders. Ideas not change much."
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