Report: Messi Wants to Play Against Jordan as Scaloni Considers Heavy Rotation

Argentina, already guaranteed first place and a place in the knockout stage, will finish its group stage between Saturday and Sunday at 5:00 a.m. Israel time against Jordan in Arlington, Texas. The world champions are looking for one more win and want to arrive in the round of 32 in the best possible form.

That leaves coach Lionel Scaloni with the usual question for teams that have already advanced: whether to field his strongest lineup or rest key players for the next round. According to reports in Argentina, Lionel Messi has no such dilemma and wants to play against Jordan, even if only for a few minutes off the bench.

The main reason is not only to add to his goal total and strengthen his status as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer, but also to keep his rhythm and match fitness before the real challenge begins. Argentine media reported that Messi is concerned that if he sits out, he could be left waiting 11 days between the match against Austria, in which he scored twice, and the knockout stage.

Meanwhile, Clarin reported that Scaloni is considering a very wide rotation for the final group match. In recent training sessions, he tested a lineup that included Nico Paz and Julian Alvarez. Paz, who belongs to Real Madrid, could be handed a start if Messi is not in the opening XI.