Scaloni confirms Messi will start on the bench against Jordan

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has confirmed that star player Lionel Messi will begin Saturday's match against Jordan on the bench. The reigning World Cup champions have already secured their place in the knockout rounds with victories over Algeria and Austria.

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Leo will start on the bench... Leo will come in a little bit later.

Scaloni addressed the decision in response to a question from veteran journalist Enrique Macaya Marquez, stating, "Leo will start on the bench... Leo will come in a little bit later." He emphasized that the players who will start the match deserve the opportunity, highlighting their efforts in training and their integral role within the team.

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Those that are playing tomorrow deserve to play, they are part of the team. All the effort we've put in in training is because of them, that's why we're here. They are making every effort when they're not playing.

"Those that are playing tomorrow deserve to play, they are part of the team," Scaloni said. "All the effort we've put in in training is because of them, that's why we're here. They are making every effort when they're not playing." He added that his dream as a coach is for the team to perform consistently, irrespective of the individual players on the field.

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The dream as a coach is to have the team perform the same way, independent of the players who comprise the team.

The coach dismissed suggestions that he was fielding a weakened side with future knockout matches in mind. He stressed that the team's mentality remains unchanged, with every player committed to winning regardless of the game's significance. Argentina faces a Jordan side that has been eliminated after two losses, and Scaloni anticipates a defensively oriented opponent. He indicated the team might adjust its strategy if they encounter difficulties against Jordan's typical five-defender formation.

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If you are wearing the jersey and playing it doesn't matter if you're playing in a game of significance for the points or not. You're going to do your best to win, nothing changes. We're in the same way as we were on day one.