Scaloni rests Messi for Jordan clash despite golden boot race at World Cup 2026

Lionel Messi will not start Argentina’s World Cup 2026 Group J finale against Jordan, with coach Lionel Scaloni confirming the 39-year-old will be held back to preserve his sharpness ahead of the knockout rounds.

“Leo Messi will be on the bench against Jordan. He will have minutes in the second half,” Scaloni said, explaining the decision to rest the forward despite Argentina already building momentum with victories over Algeria and Austria.

Messi has been in devastating form at the tournament, scoring five goals across those two opening wins to lead the golden boot standings. France forwards Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé sit one goal behind him on four, keeping the race tight heading into the final group fixtures.

The decision also carries a risk to Messi’s place in the record books. He currently holds the all-time World Cup scoring record with 18 goals, two clear of Mbappé on 16. With Scaloni opting to limit his minutes against Jordan, Mbappé has an opportunity to close the gap if France are in action at the same stage.

Argentina enter the match as defending champions and have been the standout side of the group stage so far. Scaloni’s choice to manage Messi’s workload reflects confidence that the Albiceleste can see out their group without him from the start, while keeping their talisman fresh for the heavier demands that lie ahead in the knockout phase.