Lionel Messi will not be in Argentina's starting lineup for Saturday's final Group J match against Jordan, but head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the World Cup's all-time leading scorer is expected to make an appearance later in the game.
Speaking on Friday, two days after Messi celebrated his 39th birthday, Scaloni said through an interpreter that the Argentina captain would start on the bench before being introduced at some stage during the match. The coach, however, did not reveal when Messi would enter the contest or provide details about his starting XI against tournament debutants Jordan, who have already lost their first two group matches.
Messi has been in outstanding form, scoring all five of Argentina's goals in its opening two World Cup fixtures. His tally of 18 goals across six World Cup tournaments makes him the competition's all-time leading scorer.
The Argentine star matched former Germany striker Miroslav Klose's previous record of 16 goals after recording his first World Cup hat trick in a 3-0 victory over Algeria. He then surpassed Klose by scoring twice in Argentina's 2-0 win over Austria on Monday at the home of the NFL's Dallas Cowboys, the same venue hosting Saturday's group finale.
Klose reached his 16-goal mark in 24 World Cup appearances and capped his international career by helping Germany defeat Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the 2014 World Cup final. France forward Kylian Mbappé also equaled Klose's record earlier this tournament with two goals against Iraq but remained on 16 career World Cup goals after failing to score in France's 4-1 victory over Norway on Friday.
Widely regarded as one of football's greatest players, Messi has represented Argentina in 201 international matches, including a record 28 World Cup appearances. He has now scored in six consecutive World Cup games, joining France's Just Fontaine and Brazilian legend Jairzinho as the only players to achieve that milestone.
Before the tournament, Messi managed a minor hamstring issue suffered while playing for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Although he has shown no signs of discomfort since arriving at the World Cup, Argentina appears determined to manage his workload with the knockout rounds approaching.
If La Albiceleste reaches another World Cup final, the team would have to play five knockout matches in just 17 days, beginning next Friday in South Florida and ending with the championship match on July 19.
With Argentina already assured of first place in the group, Scaloni is expected to rotate much of his lineup. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez could be the only regular starter to retain his place.
Midfielder Nicolás Paz, who made his World Cup debut after replacing Messi late in the opening win over Algeria, is expected to start in the captain's place against Jordan.
"Our goal is for the team to maintain the same style of play," Scaloni said. "Jordan is a quality opponent, and we're approaching the game with full respect. We want to improve on certain aspects from the last match while continuing to dominate possession and control the game."