Lionel Scaloni is expected to deploy a rotated squad in Argentina’s next World Cup match against Jordan on Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, Texas, with Lionel Messi likely relegated to the bench.
“Leo will be a substitute tomorrow, to play later. We’ll announce the team tomorrow,” Scaloni told the media. “The decision of who starts tomorrow is not in relation to the opponent we’ll face in the next round.”
Argentina have already qualified for the Round of 32 as Group J winners after back-to-back victories against Algeria and Austria, so playing Messi heavy minutes is unnecessary. The Inter Miami star currently leads the race for this tournament’s Golden Boot with five goals, while breaking several records in the process.
Messi has been dealing with a left hamstring injury in the build-up to the World Cup, so Scaloni doesn’t want to risk further injury for his star. However, the 48-year-old tactician will have his pick of the litter on who to replace Messi.
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Lionel Scaloni hints at Argentina’s strategy against Jordan in group stage finale
Besides Lionel Messi, head coach Lionel Scaloni could also bench some of Argentina’s other starters against Jordan, and goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez could be the only regular starter in the lineup. Despite this, La Albiceleste’s approach shouldn’t veer away from what made them successful so far.
“The hope is that the team will play the same way. That’s what we’re going to try to do,” Scaloni said. “Jordan is a good opponent, and we’re not taking anything for granted. We’ll try to tweak some aspects of the last match, but with the same intention of controlling the ball and dominating the opponent.”
Nico Paz, Julian Alvarez, Valentin Barco, Flaco Lopez, and Exequiel Palacios are among the viable candidates who could replace Messi against Jordan. Marcos Senesi, Nicolas Otamendi, and Nicolas Tagliafico could also soak up more playing time at the back for La Albiceleste.
After facing Jordan, Argentina will head to Miami for their Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde, the runners-up in Group H.
