Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni is deciding whether to start Lionel Messi in tomorrow’s final Group J match against Jordan, a decision that sits at the intersection of squad management, legacy, and, for crypto investors, the curious economics of fan tokens tied to the world’s most famous footballer.
The match kicks off at 10 p.m. ET on June 27 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Argentina has already secured first place in the group, which makes this less about survival and more about strategy.
The calculus behind resting a 38-year-old legend
At 38, playing in his sixth World Cup, Messi isn’t the player who can sprint through 270 minutes of group stage football and then show up fresh for a Round of 16 opponent that’s been resting its stars.
Scaloni and Messi have built a collaborative relationship over the years, reportedly discussing lineup choices and tactical approaches together. Argentina’s 26-man squad, announced in late May, gives Scaloni plenty of depth to work with.
