With Argentina already assured of top spot in Group J, head coach Lionel Scaloni has decided to give captain Lionel Messi a well-earned break for the team's final group-stage fixture against Jordan. But it was the way the announcement was delivered that stole the spotlight.
During the pre-match press conference, Scaloni broke from his usual policy of keeping team selection under wraps after being questioned by veteran Argentine journalist Enrique Macaya Márquez. The 91-year-old broadcaster, who is covering his 18th FIFA World Cup, received a response that reflected not only Messi's status but also the immense respect he commands within football.
Scaloni makes a rare exception for a football icon
According to News 18, when Macaya Márquez asked whether Messi would feature against Jordan, Scaloni smiled before making an exception he admitted he would never normally make.
The Argentina manager told the veteran journalist that Messi would not start the match, adding that he was answering only because of the immense respect he had for him. Scaloni said he was proud to see the legendary reporter still covering football at the highest level and acknowledged his extraordinary contribution to sports journalism.
The exchange quickly became one of the most talked-about moments from Argentina's media duties, with fans praising Scaloni for recognising a journalist whose career has spanned generations of World Cup history.
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91 year old legendary Argentinian journalist Macaya Mrquez was in press conference, covering his 18th (!) World Cup ðŸ
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 27, 2026
Let me ask you will Messi play against Jordan or not? ðŸ˜
Id never reply to any journalist on this topic now but it is coming from you, and so I tell pic.twitter.com/KrTZqq64dk
Messi earns a deserved breather after record-breaking start
According to News 18, the decision comes after Messi carried Argentina through the opening two matches with a string of remarkable performances. The 39-year-old has scored all five of Argentina's goals so far, including a hat-trick against Algeria, followed by a brace against Austria.
His double against Austria also saw him become the highest goalscorer in FIFA World Cup history, further cementing his legacy in international football.
With qualification already secured, the coaching staff sees little value in risking unnecessary fatigue before the knockout rounds begin. Scaloni indicated that the decision was based on workload management rather than any injury concern, ensuring the captain remains fresh for the matches that matter most.
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Jordan seek positives despite early exit
According to News 18, while Argentina are preparing for another title challenge, Jordan enters the fixture knowing their World Cup journey will end after the group stage.
Making their tournament debut, Jordan showed moments of promise despite defeats to Austria and Algeria. Their spirited performances earned admiration even though the results ultimately went against them.
Sunday's meeting, therefore, presents contrasting objectives. Argentina will look to preserve momentum while rotating key players, whereas Jordan will hope to finish their historic first World Cup campaign with a memorable performance against the reigning champions.
Even without Messi in the starting line-up, Argentina remain overwhelming favourites, but the evening will also be remembered for a touching moment that celebrated football's enduring respect for those who have chronicled its greatest stories for decades.
