Bombshell! Scaloni Confirms Messi Will Be Sub Against Jordan: 'He'll Be on the Bench and Come On in the Second Half'

On the eve of the clash against Jordan for the third matchday of Group J in the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Scaloni spoke in a press conference and confirmed what many suspected: Lionel Messi will be a substitute. «He’ll be on the bench and will surely come on in the second half,» the Santa Fe native stated, sparking a wave of speculation.

Scaloni, true to his style, held nothing back. He hinted that he could form an attacking partnership with Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, and assured that those who start in Saturday’s match in Dallas «deserve to play,» even if they have fewer opportunities than others. A statement that smells like a direct message to those asking for more minutes.

But not everything was tactical analysis. The coach also praised Jordan’s performance in the first two matchdays, stating that they «did not deserve to lose» in both matches—against Austria and Algeria—and highlighted their ability to counterattack with speed. «They are a tough opponent,» he emphasized, making it clear he is not overconfident.

On the day before Argentina’s final group stage match, Scaloni explained that he will give Messi rest to give minutes to other types of players. «All the substitutes deserve to play,» he insisted, valuing that they are the first to train after matches they don’t play. «The hope is that the team plays the same way,» he added, hinting that the system will not change.

Asked about other World Cup matches, Scaloni confessed that he watches as many games as he can and that he is seeing «different ways of playing, and in the end, they all get results.» From those who «attack with the ball, like Spain» to those who play on the counterattack and are strong defensively, among which he highlighted Paraguay. «You can modify some nuances and take precautions depending on the opponent,» he explained.

But the most spicy part came when he was asked about potential round of 16 matchups. Scaloni did not hesitate: «I consider it a total lack of respect to prefer one opponent over another.» And he cracked a joke that caught more than one off guard: «I would prefer the World Cup to end tomorrow and for us to be champions.» A wish that, although utopian, reflects the team’s ambition.

«I think that to play with this jersey, the moment doesn’t matter; it means going out to play well and trying to win every match,» the coach stressed, adding that he and his coaching staff are «eager and analyzing the opponent.» He also hopes «to see what condition the guys who haven’t had minutes are in» and determine «if we can count on them.»

Finally, Scaloni clarified that defender Cristian «Cuti» Romero is «fine,» with a less serious injury than expected, although he still hasn’t trained with the group. He hinted that he might try a change in the tactical scheme and closed, regarding his upcoming 100th match in charge of the Argentine national team: «I care that people have felt identified and represented.»

Argentina’s national team is playing for a spot in the round of 16 against a Jordan side that has already shown it can put up a fight. With Messi on the bench, Scaloni’s team will look to seal their qualification with a victory. Will there be a surprise?

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