Lionel Messi, the talismanic forward for Argentina, has been surprisingly named on the substitutes’ bench for his team’s final group stage match in the World Cup against Jordan. This decision comes after Argentina has already secured their progression to the knockout rounds, having achieved victories in their initial two games against Algeria and Austria. Messi has been instrumental in these wins, contributing all five of Argentina’s goals so far and currently leading the race for the Golden Boot.
Strategic Decision for Knockout Stages
The choice to rest Messi, a move mirroring decisions made by other national teams with star players, is a strategic one by Argentina’s head coach, Lionel Scaloni. With qualification already assured, the focus shifts to ensuring the team and its key players are in peak condition for the more demanding knockout phase of the tournament. Scaloni indicated that this approach is designed to keep Messi, who is 39 years old, fresh and ready for the challenges ahead.
“Leo will go to the bench,” Scaloni confirmed in a pre-match press conference. This decision was reportedly made in consultation with the player himself. “We talked and agreed that it was better that way, but obviously it’s also good for him to stay in competitive form.” Scaloni also suggested that Messi would likely enter the game at some point, ensuring he maintains match sharpness without expending unnecessary energy in a fixture where the outcome has less consequence for Argentina’s overall standing in the group.
Squad Rotation and Depth
Beyond resting Messi, Scaloni also hinted at making broader changes to the squad. This strategy aims to give playing time to players who have not yet featured in the tournament, allowing them to gain valuable World Cup experience and demonstrate their readiness should they be called upon later. Scaloni emphasized the importance of the entire squad, stating, “The great merit of everything that’s been done goes to the boys who are always there and train to the max. I think that when there’s an opportunity, there are great players who also deserve to come in. And the idea is for the team to play in the same way.” This approach underscores Argentina’s confidence in its squad depth and its ability to maintain a consistent level of performance regardless of the starting lineup.
Messi’s World Cup Performance
Messi’s performance in the early stages of the World Cup has been exceptional. His five goals have not only propelled Argentina to the top of Group J but have also placed him at the forefront of the Golden Boot competition. He is currently ahead of other prominent strikers like Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, and Erling Haaland, who have four goals each. Haaland himself experienced a similar situation, being benched for Norway’s final group game against France after Norway’s elimination from the tournament.
Looking Ahead: Knockout Stages Draw
Regardless of the result against Jordan, Argentina is guaranteed to finish as the top team in Group J. Their next challenge in the round of 32 will be against Cape Verde, a team making its debut in the tournament. Should Argentina overcome this initial knockout hurdle, they are slated to face the winner of a match between Egypt and Australia in the quarter-finals. This favorable draw provides a clear path for the defending champions as they aim to progress further in the competition.
Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi has been benched for Argentina’s final World Cup group game against Jordan.
- Argentina has already secured qualification for the knockout stages.
- Head coach Lionel Scaloni is resting Messi to keep him fresh for the knockout rounds.
- Messi is expected to feature in the match at some point.
- Squad rotation is planned to give other players valuable tournament experience.
- Messi is currently the leading scorer in the World Cup with five goals.
- Argentina will face Cape Verde in the round of 32.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lionel Messi not starting?
Lionel Messi is not starting as a precautionary measure to keep him fresh for the upcoming knockout stages of the World Cup. Argentina has already qualified for the next round, allowing coach Lionel Scaloni to implement a rotation strategy.
Will Messi play at all in the match?
Yes, coach Lionel Scaloni has indicated that Messi is expected to come on as a substitute at some point during the game against Jordan, ensuring he remains competitive.
What is Argentina’s next match?
After concluding their group stage matches, Argentina will proceed to the round of 32 where they are scheduled to play against Cape Verde.
Conclusion
The decision to bench Lionel Messi for Argentina’s final group stage match is a calculated move by coach Lionel Scaloni, prioritizing the player’s fitness and the team’s overall readiness for the high-stakes knockout phase of the World Cup. With qualification secured and squad depth to be tested, Argentina appears well-positioned to navigate the remainder of the tournament, aiming to defend their title with a fully prepared and motivated squad.
