Lionel Scaloni announced that Lionel Messi will start as a substitute in the final group stage match of the 2026 World Cup against Jordan. The coach spoke at a press conference in Dallas after the team's arrival.
The Argentine national team arrived in Dallas after training in Kansas. The squad will face Jordan on Saturday to close the group stage of the 2026 World Cup.
At the press conference, Scaloni said Messi will play in the second half. “Leo va a ir al banco”, he stated. He added that the decision aims to give minutes to other players who deserve them.
Scaloni also expressed solidarity with Venezuela after the earthquakes that left more than 900 dead and 3,300 injured. “Me pongo un poco serio para mandarle mucha fuerza al pueblo venezolano”, he declared.
Before the press conference, Argentine fans held a banderazo in Dallas with flags and drums to support the team.
