Argentina coach, Lionel Scaloni, has revealed that superstar captain, Lionel Messi, will begin on the bench for their 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Jordan, in a special moment shared during a pre-match press conference.
- +VIDEO: Messi won’t start against Jordan, says Scaloni
According to reports from the Argentine press and international football sources including a video shared by Fabrizio Romano on Saturday, the confirmation came in response to a question from legendary 91-year-old journalist, Enrique Macaya Márquez, who is covering his 18th World Cup.
According to reports from the Argentine press and international football sources including a video shared by Fabrizio Romano on Saturday, the confirmation came in response to a question from legendary 91-year-old journalist, Enrique Macaya Márquez, who is covering his 18th World Cup.
Scaloni made it clear he would not have disclosed the information to any other reporter.
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
“It’s a pleasure to be able to answer your question. We’ve known each other for a long time. When I played in Argentina, I never stopped watching him. I’ll answer your question because it’s you Leo is going to start on the bench.
“I would never reply to any journalist on this topic right now… but because it is coming from you, I will tell you Messi will not start,” the coach said.
He added words of admiration, saying, “I respect you too much, I am so proud to see you here.”
Scaloni then walked over to embrace Macaya Márquez and posed for photos with him, drawing applause from those present.
Reacting to the news, #THE_SCORELINE_X posted, “This is an absolutely beautiful story from the World Cup press conference… Absolute respect for a true legend of football journalism. What a moment.”
Another user, #yeamyth, shared “A wholesome moment… the whole press conference stopped to applaud Enrique! Scaloni provided such an incredible answer… Messi will go to the bench. You are a true legend.”
While #BlaugranaLens1 noted “A beautiful moment between two icons of Argentine football.”
Messi, who has been managing fitness concerns in the tournament, is expected to feature as a substitute, allowing Scaloni 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.
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.
𝐕𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐎: 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢 𝐰𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐭 𝐉𝐨𝐫𝐝𝐚𝐧, 𝐬𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐢
Argentina coach, Lionel Scaloni, has revealed that superstar captain, Lionel Messi, will begin on the bench for their 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Jordan, in a special moment… pic.twitter.com/eWCvUX3gP3
