The World Cup lineup for the final group game
USA Today • • sports
Key Points:
- Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni announced that Lionel Messi will start on the bench for the team's final 2026 World Cup group match against Jordan, prioritizing the star player's health despite his strong goal-scoring form.
- Messi has already scored five goals in the first two games, setting a new World Cup record with 18 all-time goals, and Argentina has secured the top spot in Group J ahead of the match.
- Argentina's starting lineup against Jordan will feature significant changes, including Giuliano Simeone, Nicolás Otamendi, and Julián Álvarez, with Messi expected to come on in the second half.
- The group stage concludes with Argentina facing Jordan on June 27 in Arlington, Texas, followed by a Round of 32 match on July 3 against the runner-up from Group H in Miami.
- Argentina's World Cup roster includes key players such as goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez, defenders Nicolás Tagliafico and Lisandro Martínez, and midfielders Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, and Alexis Mac Allister.
