You might have expected the team to rely heavily on their star player, given his incredible skills and experience. But Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, has other plans.

Argentina fans were taken aback when Scaloni revealed that Messi wouldn't start the match against Jordan. According to reports from the Argentine press and international football sources, the confirmation came in response to a question from a legendary 91-year-old journalist, Enrique Macaya Márquez, who is covering his 18th World Cup.

Scaloni made it clear that he wouldn't have disclosed the information to any other reporter, and his words were met with a mix of shock and admiration. In response to Enrique Macaya Márquez's question, the Argentina coach didn't give the lineup, but he did say that Leo will come on in the second half.

Scaloni's decision to keep Messi on the bench has sparked a lot of interest, especially considering the team's reliance on their star player. The disclosure comes ahead of Argentina's crucial fixture, with fans closely watching how the team balances experience and rotation.

Argentina supporters will now await the full lineup announcement as the team aims to advance further in the 2026 World Cup.

It's worth noting that Messi has been managing fitness concerns in the tournament, and Scaloni might be trying to manage his workload carefully as Argentina progress in the competition.

The Albiceleste remain one of the strong contenders under Scaloni's leadership following their 2022 triumph. This move could be a strategic decision by Scaloni to keep Messi fresh for the remaining matches in the tournament.

As the team prepares to face Jordan, the football world is watching closely to see how Scaloni's tactics play out.

'I respect you too much, I am so proud to see you here,' Scaloni said, showing respect to the legendary journalist.

Scaloni's words of admiration have sparked a mix of emotions, with many fans praising the coach's kind gesture.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen its fair share of surprises, and this move by Scaloni is certainly one of them. As the team prepares to face Jordan, the football world is watching closely to see how Scaloni's tactics play out.

The team's next match is crucial, and fans will be eager to see how Messi performs when he comes on in the second half.

As the tournament continues, one thing is certain – Lionel Messi will be a key player for Argentina.

The #THE_SCORELINE_X Twitter handle reacted to the news, saying 'This is an absolutely beautiful story from the World Cup press conference… Absolute respect for a true legend of football journalism. What a moment.'

Other users have also shared their reactions, with some praising Scaloni's decision and others expressing surprise.

Scaloni's decision to keep Messi on the bench has sparked a lot of interest, especially considering the team's reliance on their star player. The Albiceleste remain one of the strong contenders under Scaloni's leadership following their 2022 triumph.

Key Facts

• Argentina's coach, Lionel Scaloni, has revealed that Messi will start on the bench against Jordan. • The team's next match is crucial, and fans will be eager to see how Messi performs when he comes on in the second half. • The 2026 FIFA World Cup has seen its fair share of surprises, and this move by Scaloni is certainly one of them. • Enrique Macaya Márquez, a 91-year-old journalist, asked Scaloni about Messi's lineup, and the coach revealed his decision. • Scalon has been managing Messi's workload carefully, given his fitness concerns in the tournament.