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Scaloni revealed to respected 91-year-old journalist Enrique Macaya Marquez in the presser ahead of the fixture that skipper and talisman Lionel Messi would be given some rest.
Lionel Scaloni, Enrique Macaya Marquez. (X)
World Champions Argentina will close out their Group J assignments in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Sunday with their game against Jordan, and head coach Lionel Scaloni revealed that skipper Lionel Messi would be given some rest.
Albiceleste head coach Lionel Scaloni revealed to respected 91-year-old journalist Enrique Macaya Marquez in the presser ahead of the fixture that skipper and talisman Lionel Messi would be given some rest after his headline showings for the side in the ongoing flagship, in which he has netted all of Argentina’s goals thus far in the campaign.
Marquez is among one of the most seasoned journalists going around and has covered an astounding 18 editions of the quadrennial spectacle.
“Let me ask you… will Messi play against Jordan or not?”
“I’d never reply to any journalist on this topic now… but it is coming from you, and so I tell you: Messi will not start”
“I respect you too much, I’m proud to see you here”, added.
Argentina have made a perfect start to the defence of their World Cup crown, winning both of their opening group matches to seal first place with one game still to play. Lionel Scaloni’s side have looked every bit the reigning champions, with Lionel Messi leading the charge in sensational fashion. The captain has scored all five of Argentina’s goals so far, netting a hat-trick against Algeria before adding a brace against Austria, a performance that saw him become the FIFA World Cup’s all-time leading goalscorer.
For Jordan, the final group-stage fixture marks the end of a memorable first-ever World Cup campaign. The tournament newcomers have suffered defeats in both of their matches, leaving them unable to progress after the head-to-head tiebreaker confirmed their elimination. They began with a 3-1 loss to Austria before taking the lead against Algeria, only to see their opponents come from behind and claim a 2-1 victory.
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