Lionel Scaloni, coach of the Albiceleste, confirmed the news on June 26 during the press conference prior to the match, when answering a question from journalist Enrique Macaya Márquez, 91, who is covering his eighteenth World Cup.
“Leo is going to go to the bank, but I answer because it’s you, otherwise I would avoid it. You deserve it. I’ll keep the one about the team. Leo is going to start later, I have confirmed the team, but we are going to say it tomorrow”said Scaloni.
The statement immediately generated reactions among fans, since Argentina has qualified for the round of 16 after winning its first two matches in Group J. With the ticket secured, the coaching staff chose to dose the 39-year-old captain’s minutes ahead of the direct elimination phase.
Although Scaloni avoided confirming the rest of the lineup, he made it clear that Messi will participate during the match at the Dallas Stadium (AT&T Stadium) in Arlington.
Before responding to the Argentine captain, the coach also sent a message of solidarity to Venezuela for the earthquakes recorded in recent days and then made a gesture of recognition towards Macaya Márquez, one of the most emblematic journalists in Argentine football.
Messi arrives at this commitment after an outstanding start to the tournament, in which he scored a hat trick in his debut and was one of the figures of the Albiceleste. His presence, even if it is from the bench, maintains the attraction of the duel against Jordan and anticipates that Argentina prioritizes arriving with its maximum figure in fullness for the round of 16.