Argentina likely to rest Messi against Jordan

Argentina head into their final Group J match against Jordan on June 27 with one eye already on the knockout phase, while their rivals will be eager to sign off from their first World Cup campaign on a positive note in what is effectively a dead rubber.

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The South Americans have secured top spot in the group and a place in the round of 32 after beating Algeria 3-0 and Austria 2-0, with Lionel Messi scoring all five of their goals.

Before facing the Group H runners-up in Miami on July 3, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to rotate his squad against Jordan.

Messi himself could be rested, with Nico Paz in line to step in for the talisman, who turned 39 on June 24 and had recently recovered from a muscle strain.

“The idea is to give most players a chance to play. I think they deserve it and, whenever the match allows it, we will do so,” Scaloni said.

Players returning from recent injuries — including striker Julian Alvarez, left-back Nicolas Tagliafico and midfielder Leandro Paredes — may get more minutes.