Argentina captain Lionel Messi will begin his side’s final FIFA World Cup Group J match against Jordan on the substitutes’ bench, head coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed.
Scaloni revealed that Messi is being rested after Argentina secured qualification for the knockout stage with victories over Algeria and Austria.
The decision is aimed at managing the 39-year-old’s workload ahead of the Round of 32 rather than being related to injury.
The coach added that Messi is expected to feature later in the match.
Messi has been in sensational form during the tournament, scoring all five of Argentina’s goals in their opening two matches and breaking the all-time FIFA World Cup scoring record in the process.
With qualification already secured, Scaloni is expected to rotate several key players to keep the squad fresh for the knockout rounds.
Jordan, appearing at their first FIFA World Cup, have already been eliminated but will be eager to end their campaign on a positive note against the defending champions.
Argentina, meanwhile, will be looking to maintain their perfect group-stage record before shifting their focus to the knockout phase.