Coach Lionel Scaloni says Messi could have played the full game "but he chose to let his teammates have minutes".

Lionel Messi will not start when defending World Cup champion Argentina plays its group finale. Coach Lionel Scaloni said Friday that Messi will be on the bench at the start of…

Messi, who turned 39 on Wednesday, is the World Cup's top scorer with five goals.

The Argentina boss will hold back Messi to preserve his sharpness, despite a battle to win the golden boot and preserve his all-time record as the tournament’s top scorer

Lionel Messi will start Argentina's final group game against Jordan on Saturday on the bench with the reigning champions already assured of top spot, coach Lionel Scaloni said.

Argentina have scored five goals at the World Cup so far with Lionel Messi netting all five, but he won't be starting in their final group game against Jordan

Lionel Messi will start on the bench as Argentina rests key players against Jordan after securing qualification for the World Cup knockout stage.

Follow live updates as Jordan and Argentina play their final game of the group stage.

Follow live updates as Jordan and Argentina play their final game of the group stage.

The Argentine talisman has been one of the biggest stars of the summer so far.

Lionel Messi’s side are assured of finishing top of the group regardless of the result vs Jordan, allowing them to play with minimal pressure.

Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his sixth goal of the tournament as Argentina warmed up for their World Cup knockout tie with Cape Verde by beating Jordan 3-1 on…

DALLAS, June 27 : Mercurial Lionel Messi became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches as Argentina continued their winning ways with a 3-1 victory over…

Analysis of Argentina's victory in their final World Cup group game, against Jordan in Dallas

ARGENTINA 3-1 JORDAN: The reigning champions made it three wins from three with another victory as Lionel Scaloni's men eased past Jordan, with another record falling at Lionel…

ARLINGTON: Jordan's first World Cup campaign ended without a point after a 3-1 defeat to defending champions Argentina on Saturday, with Lionel Messi coming off the bench to score…

Jordan 1-3 Argentina: Messi came off the bench to become the first player to score in seven straight tournament games

Free-kick gives Messi his sixth goal in three matches as his Argentina side finish top of Group J

Lionel Messi adds to his goals tally as Argentina beat Jordan, while last-second equaliser saves Austria in six-goal draw.

Argentina are scheduled to face Cape Verde in the round of 32 on Friday at Miami Gardens, while Jordan (0-3-0, 0 points) were eliminated. | Football News

Messi put the cherry on top of another comfortable Argentina win.