Coach Lionel Scaloni announced the decision at the pre-match press conference on Sunday (4:00 a.m., ZDF and MagentaTV) at Dallas Stadium. “Leo will play a bit later,” Scaloni said through an interpreter. Argentina has already secured first place in Group J.
Messi has scored five goals in his first two matches of this World Cup, surpassing former German world champion Miroslav Klose as the all-time leading World Cup scorer. The 39-year-old now has 18 World Cup goals. Starting against Jordan would have given him a better chance to extend that record. Chaser Kylian Mbappé has 16 World Cup goals.
Scaloni also indicated he would rest other regular starters. “There are also fantastic players,” he stressed. It was important that as many players as possible get playing time. When asked about a possible tactical change, Scaloni said: “Maybe. At least we have to be prepared. We’ve worked on it.”
Source: www.tagesspiegel.de
