Messi to start on bench as Scaloni rests captain for final group game

Lionel Scaloni confirmed Lionel Messi will start on the bench for Argentina's final group-stage match against Jordan in Dallas, with qualification already secured. The coach said the move is intended to manage his captain's workload while giving other squad members valuable minutes ahead of the knockout rounds.

Breaking from his usual approach to team news, Scaloni told reporters: "Lionel Messi will be on the bench, but I'm telling you because it's you. Messi will most likely play the second half. It's a decision primarily made so that his teammates can also get playing time.

We'll see how many minutes." He added that the players due to start "deserve to play" and are an important part of the squad. With Messi expected to come off the bench, Scaloni said Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez remain an option to start together if it does not upset the team's balance.

Argentina, Dallas

lionel messi, scaloni, argentina, jordan, dallas, bench, captain, second half, lautaro martinez, julian alvarez