Overview
- Scaloni publicly told veteran journalist Macaya Marquez that Lionel Messi would be on the bench for Argentina’s dead‑rubber match versus Jordan.
- Messi opened the tournament with five goals in two games and now holds the all‑time World Cup scoring record, raising interest in managing his minutes.
- Argentina had already clinched top spot in its group, which allowed the coach to treat the final group game as an opportunity to rotate starters.
- Several outlets published projected lineups that omit Messi but those XIs are speculative and not the official matchday roster.
- The exchange between Scaloni and 91‑year‑old Marquez drew wide attention because Marquez has covered many World Cups and was given a direct, personal confirmation.