Lead

Argentina enter their final Group J match against Jordan on Saturday with top spot already secured, leaving coach Lionel Scaloni free to rotate his squad. The reigning world champions have won both previous matches, beating Algeria 3-0 and Austria 2-0, and are assured of finishing first in the group. The question on many minds is how much Lionel Messi will play in a fixture that carries little significance for Argentina but could offer valuable minutes to several squad members.

Messi, who turned 39 on Wednesday, has scored all five of Argentina's goals in the tournament, becoming the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. Scaloni said on Friday that Messi will start on the bench, but did not rule out an appearance. "Leo will come on later and I've already confirmed the team, but we're going to announce it tomorrow," Scaloni told reporters.

Coverage Comparison

Reports on the match have focused on the expected lineup changes and Messi's potential role. One report highlighted that Messi may play despite the fixture's little significance, noting his preference for playing regardless of the opponent or circumstances. Another emphasized the number of potential debutants, with as many as seven players in line to make their first World Cup appearances. A third confirmed that Messi would start on the bench, while also noting coach Lionel Scaloni's plan to rest regular starters.

The reports agree on the key facts: Argentina have already sealed top spot in Group J, Messi has become the tournament's all-time leading scorer, and Jordan have lost their opening two matches. They also converge on the expectation that Scaloni will make significant changes to the starting lineup.

Key Claims

  • Argentina have confirmed a place in the next round. The team's 3-0 and 2-0 wins over Algeria and Austria respectively have assured them of top spot in Group J.
  • Lionel Messi will start on the bench but may feature. Scaloni confirmed Messi's place on the bench, with the coach saying he will "come on later." Messi, who has scored all of Argentina's goals so far, has expressed his willingness to play: "The coach will decide whether I play or not, or how much I play. He only asks me how I feel physically and I feel good."
  • Several players are expected to make their World Cup debuts. Reports indicate that as many as seven players could feature for the first time in a World Cup, including goalkeeper options Gerónimo Rulli and Juan Musso, and defender Marcos Senesi, who replaced the injured Leonardo Balerdi in the squad. Giovani Lo Celso, a key player under Scaloni, missed the 2022 World Cup through injury and could also earn his debut.
  • Jordan have lost their opening two matches. The Asian side are "practically eliminated" after two defeats in their first World Cup campaign, having scored their first World Cup goal through Ali Olwan.
  • Nicolás Tagliafico praised Messi's current level. The left back said Messi is "at the very exact same level as in 2022, or even better." Tagliafico also described the team's celebration of Messi's birthday, with players wearing specially made T-shirts and enjoying a cake.

Perspectives

Lionel Scaloni (Argentina head coach): Scaloni has confirmed the team is already announced internally but will be revealed publicly the day before the match. He emphasized that Messi will come on later, suggesting the captain will be used as a substitute.

Lionel Messi (Argentina captain): Messi, who has scored all five of Argentina's goals, stated that he feels physically fit and ready to play if selected. "I don't play thinking about my age. I play based on how I feel physically," he said.

Nicolás Tagliafico (Argentina defender): Tagliafico expressed admiration for Messi"s form, saying he is "better than ever" and matching his 2022 level. He also shared details of the team's birthday celebration for Messi.

The match will be played at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas, and Argentina will face the runner-up of Group H in the round of 32.