Jordan eliminated but Messi rested for final group match

Argentina 0–0 Jordan

Your tournament is over before kickoff. Argentina and Jordan had not yet played their final Group J match at time of writing, but results elsewhere Thursday confirmed what the Algeria loss had made almost certain, Jordan cannot advance, regardless of what happens against the reigning champions Saturday.

Ali Olwan scored your country's first World Cup goal against Austria. Nizar Al Rashdan put you ahead against Algeria. Two moments that mattered, even if the campaign ends here.

Messi starts on the bench

Lionel Scaloni confirmed it Friday. Lionel Messi will not start against Jordan. "Leo will be a substitute tomorrow, to play later," Scaloni said. "The decision of who starts is not in relation to the opponent we'll face in the next round" (3).

He still expects a performance. "The hope is that the team will play the same way," Scaloni said. "Jordan is a good opponent, and we're not taking anything for granted. We'll try to tweak some aspects of the last match, but with the same intention of controlling the ball and dominating the opponent" (3).

Argentina have already won the group. That does not mean they roll over, but you face a rotated side with nothing to play for. If there was ever a night to leave this tournament with a result, it is Saturday.

Fan-reaktioner

The moment that caught attention ahead of this match was not about the football, it was Scaloni pausing his press conference to greet 91-year-old Argentine journalist Enrique Macaya Márquez, covering his 18th World Cup. "How many World Cups have you covered? 18 World Cups. Incredible," Scaloni said before sharing a hug and a photo. The exchange spread quickly on Reddit.