Argentina Rests Lionel Messi Against Jordan in FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers

Kathmandu. In the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers under Group 'J', Argentina has rested Lionel Messi in the match against Jordan. 

Argentina had already secured a place in the final 32 by winning the first two matches of the group stage consecutively. The team has scored five goals so far, all in the name of captain Messi. Argentina has not conceded any goals in the first two matches.

However, in the match against Jordan, coach Lionel Scaloni has decided not to include the 39-year-old Messi in the starting lineup. He clarified that this decision was made to rest Messi, not due to injury.

According to Scaloni, Messi is likely to enter the field in the second half. He stated that this decision was made after discussing with Messi and the plan is to play him in the second half to maintain his competitive rhythm.