Argentina is playing its last match in Group 10 against Jordan on Sunday, entering the match with a focus already turned towards the knockout stages, having already secured its group qualification and lead. The Jordanian team seeks to end its first participation in the FIFA World Cup with a positive result, although the match no longer affects the fate of either team in the tournament.
Secured Leadership and Early Qualification
The Argentine team succeeded in securing the top spot in the group and advanced to the round of 32 after achieving two consecutive victories, beating Algeria with a clean triplet and Austria with two clean goals, results that fortified its top position in the standings.
Lionel Messi scored all five goals for the team during this stage, continuing his decisive presence in the journey of "Albiceleste."
Lineup without Messi?
Before facing the runner-up of Group 8 in Miami on July 3rd, Argentina's coach Lionel Scaloni is expected to make significant changes to the lineup during the Jordan match.
It is also likely that Lionel Messi, who recently turned 39 on Wednesday and has recovered from a muscle injury, will rest, with Nico Paz possibly taking his place in the starting lineup.
Scaloni said in a press statement: "The idea is to give most players a chance to play. I believe they deserve this, and we will do this whenever the match allows it."
Additional Opportunities for the Recovered
The technical staff is expected to provide additional playing minutes for several players returning from injury, notably striker Julian Alvarez, left-back Nicolas Tagliafico, and midfielder Leandro Paredes.
Alvarez, who participated as a substitute in the first two matches, said: "I was not in the best physical condition to play in the friendly matches, but I feel much better now. I will support the team and perform the role assigned to me."
In contrast, defender Cristian Romero is expected to be absent after he was injured in the match that the team won against Austria, with veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi likely to replace him.
Moreover, questions still persist about the defensive solidity of Argentina, which has not yet been truly tested in the tournament.
Jordan Seeks a Historical Impact
On the other hand, the Jordanian team bid farewell to the competition after losing to Austria (3-1) and to Algeria (2-1), exiting the tournament early in their first ever World Cup participation.
Despite this, coach Jamal Salami affirmed that the match against the reigning champions represents a chance for his players to make a strong impression before the end of the journey. Salami pointed out that lack of experience cost his team some details against Algeria, but he expressed great pride in participating in the World Cup despite the early exit.
The Argentina and Jordan match will take place in Arlington, Texas, coinciding with the Austria and Algeria match in Kansas City at the same time, marking the end of the first round competitions, according to Reuters.
