Messi to start final Argentina group match on bench

Lionel Messi will start Argentina's final group match against Jordan on the bench, manager Lionel Scaloni confirmed on November 22, 2022. Scaloni stated that the decision was made to give Messi a rest and to allow other players to gain experience. Messi has played every minute of Argentina's previous two matches in the tournament, scoring one goal. The match against Jordan is Argentina's last friendly before the World Cup begins on November 20, 2022. Scaloni also confirmed that Paulo Dybala will start in Messi's place. This decision comes after Messi played a full 90 minutes in Argentina's 3-0 victory over Honduras on November 13, 2022, where he scored two goals.