Argentina Seal Group J Top Spot; Scaloni Says Messi Will Not Start Against Jordan

Argentina have clinched top spot in Group J and booked their place in the World Cup last 32 after beating Algeria and Austria, with coach Lionel Scaloni insisting every match remains equally important. Argentina will face Jordan in Dallas at 8am Bangladesh time tomorrow, before meeting Cape Verde in the knockout stage on 3 July in Miami.

The defending champions have now won eight straight matches since their defeat to Saudi Arabia at the 2022 World Cup. Victories over Algeria and Austria took Argentina to six points and ensured they finished first in Group J. Even a defeat to Jordan would not alter their position as group champions.

Speaking at a press conference today ahead of the final group match, Scaloni said: “When you wear this shirt and step onto the field, whatever the situation, whether points are needed or not, that is not an issue. We always have to play well. We have to take the field aiming to win. We have kept the same mentality and enthusiasm as on the first day.”

Scaloni also confirmed that Lionel Messi will not be in the starting XI against Jordan tomorrow. The Argentina coach, however, did not reveal his full lineup for the match in Dallas.

Argentina’s knockout-stage opponent has already been confirmed. Argentina will play Cape Verde in the last 32 in Miami on 3 July at 4am Bangladesh time. Cape Verde secured progression as runners-up in Group H after a goalless draw against Saudi Arabia early today.

On his tactical plans for the Jordan match, Scaloni suggested Argentina could make adjustments depending on the opposition’s shape. He told reporters: “Who plays tomorrow has no connection with who will play in the next match. If the opportunity arises, we can use a different approach. Jordan usually play with five defenders. And if your team plays with four defenders against such a side, then you have to make some changes in the way you play. We have worked on that.”

All five of Argentina’s goals so far in the tournament have been scored by Messi. The forward is now the competition’s leading scorer with five goals. Kylian Mbappe, Erling Haaland and Vinicius Junior are jointly second with four goals each.

Argentina have also kept clean sheets in both matches against Algeria and Austria, with Emiliano Martinez playing a key role in preserving the shutouts. Praising his squad, Scaloni said: “The biggest credit for everything we have achieved goes to those players who are always with the team and give everything in training. Our goal is that, whoever plays, the team can play the same kind of football.”

Argentina supporters will also be watching the Group H fixtures closely early tomorrow, with Spain vs Uruguay and Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia drawing particular interest.