Why Argentina is benching Lionel Messi, other starters against Jordan in Group J finale

Lionel Messi has been in scintillating form so far at the 2026 World Cup.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner opened up with his first hat-trick at the tournament as Argentina beat Algeria 3-0 in the first game of its title defence.

Two more versus Austria saw Messi go clear of Miroslav Klose as the leading goal-scorer in World Cup history.

The great man turned 39 this week and remains soccer's hottest ticket in town. As such, fans in Dallas heading to Jordan vs. Argentina are set to be disappointed.

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Why isn't Lionel Messi playing against Jordan?

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni disclosed Messi would be among the substitutes for Saturday's match against Jordan at AT&T Stadium.

Not only is Argentina through after two wins out of two in Group J, but it has also sealed a place as group winners. The Albiceleste already know they will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on July 3 in Miami.

Messi's brilliant performances at the tournament so far do not mean Scaloni can lose sight of his advancing years, along with the fact he has been laid low by increasingly frequent muscular injuries at Inter Miami.

Ultimately, nothing is riding on the match against already eliminated Jordan, and Messi is a precious commodity. As Argentina eyes a run deep into the tournament to defend its title, it is likely to be the last rest he gets.

Still, fans should not be too disheartened after Scaloni revealed plans to use Messi as a substitute.

"Leo will most likely come on in the second half," Scaloni said.

"We talked and agreed that it was better that way, but obviously it's also good for him to stay in competitive form. The decision of who plays is not related to who plays in the next match."

MORE: Argentina's projected lineup for Group J finale vs. Jordan

Who is Argentina resting against Jordan?

Scaloni could opt to sit several starters against Jordan. Lautaro Martinez has started both games so far alongside Messi in attack but has gone scoreless. Julian Alvarez should start as he looks to build fitness and might be joined by Nico Paz.

Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandes might also rest, with Exequiel Palacios and Leandro Paredes coming into midfield.

Cristian Romero suffered a knock to his knee against Austria and will probably sit out alongside Lisandro Martinez, meaning a new centre-back pairing in the form of Nicolas Otamendi and Marcos Senesi.

Indeed, Scaloni could rotate his entire back four, with Gonzalo Montiel and Nico Tagliafico coming in for Nahuel Molina and Facundo Medina, who is on a yellow card.