Lionel Messi will begin Argentina's final 2026 FIFA World Cup group stage match against Jordan on Saturday as a substitute, coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed at Friday's pre-match news conference at AT&T Stadium.

"Leo will be a substitute tomorrow, to play later," Scaloni said. "We'll announce the team tomorrow."

Argentina have already secured their place in the round of 32 as Group J winners following victories over Algeria and Austria. The 2022 world champions are set to face Group H runners-up Cape Verde next Friday in Miami.

Scaloni indicated the rotation decision was not influenced by Argentina's upcoming knockout opponent. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez is expected to be among the few regular starters in a reshuffled lineup, with Nico Paz likely to start in Messi's place after making his World Cup debut as a late substitute against Algeria.

Messi has been the tournament's dominant individual performer, scoring five goals across his two appearances to set the all-time men's World Cup scoring record at 18. He netted a hat trick against Algeria before adding two more against Austria and currently leads the Golden Boot race. The Inter Miami forward had been managing a minor left hamstring injury in the lead-up to the tournament.

"Jordan is a good opponent, and we're not taking anything for granted," Scaloni said. "We'll try to tweak some aspects of the last match, but with the same intention of controlling the ball and dominating the opponent."