Argentina show they can win without Messi but, even off the bench, he still makes an impact

DALLAS — Argentina faced Jordan in their final Group J match, with captain Lionel Messi starting on the substitute’s bench. Fans at Dallas Stadium chanted his name, eager for his presence.

Manager Lionel Scaloni indicated that resting certain players was essential since Argentina had already secured top position in the group. This provided a valuable opportunity to assess his squad’s depth.

With Messi sidelined, Scaloni fielded a blend of experienced players and newcomers, including Giovani Lo Celso, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Paz, and Marcos Senesi, all making their World Cup debuts. Veteran defenders Nicolás Otamendi and Nicolás Tagliafico offered balance to the lineup.

“Today was a match to avoid risking players and to evaluate those who can play different positions,” Scaloni stated after the game. The strategy proved effective, as Argentina claimed a 3-1 victory.

By the 10th minute, Argentina dominated with 83% possession, keeping Jordan pinned in their half. Just nine minutes later, Lo Celso scored a stunning free kick from outside the box, becoming the second Argentine to score in this World Cup, trailing Messi.

Lautaro Martínez extended the lead with a penalty just before halftime, celebrating his first World Cup goal and signaling a new chapter for himself.

“The boys played a solid match; we were able to give minutes to everyone, and that brings us joy,” Scaloni acknowledged. “Lo Celso missed the previous World Cup due to injury, and Lautaro hadn’t scored before. We’re glad for their contributions. Now the crucial part begins.”

As expected, no Argentina match in this World Cup is complete without a goal from Messi. After Jordan surprisingly netted a goal, the 39-year-old replaced Martínez in the 60th minute and added to his remarkable tournament tally with a signature free kick, thrilling the crowd.

Messi now holds the record for scoring in seven consecutive World Cup games, a feat unmatched in tournament history, pushing his personal goal total to 19.

“I am very happy for him [Messi] and the moment he is experiencing,” Lo Celso remarked. “Seeing him day in and day out is inspiring and motivates us greatly.”

In a commanding display, Argentina recorded 12 shots, 73% possession, and an expected goals tally of 2.13. More importantly, they demonstrated their ability to perform admirably without their captain.

Next, Argentina will face World Cup debutants Cape Verde in Miami during the round of 32. Despite their inexperience, Cape Verde has shown resilience by drawing with Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia, indicating potential challenges for the reigning champions.

However, Scaloni can be confident that if any future adversaries manage to contain Messi, Argentina possesses numerous players capable of stepping up.

“We always concentrate on ourselves; every opponent is difficult,” he noted. “We must leverage our best assets to maximize our chances against them.”