Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed on Friday that Lionel Messi will start on the bench against Jordan in the team's final Group J match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Arlington.

"Leo will be on the bench," Scaloni said in response to the opening question of his pre-match press conference.

The question came from Enrique Macaya, the legendary Argentine journalist who, at 91 years old, is covering his 18th FIFA World Cup. Macaya asked whether Messi would be in Argentina's starting lineup.

"I'm answering because it's you," Scaloni replied with a smile. "As for your second question (about the starting XI), I'll keep that to myself. Leo will come on later."

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