With or without Messi? Argentina's big question against Jordan

With a place in the next round confirmed, Argentina are expected to rest most of their regular starters against Jordan on Saturday in their final World Cup group-stage match – although nobody is ruling out an appearance from Lionel Messi, a footballer who has never been fond of rotation.

Argentina's captain, who this week celebrated his 39th birthday, could still see minutes or even start in Arlington, outside Dallas, despite the fixture carrying little significance for the reigning world champions.

Top spot in Group J is already guaranteed thanks to victories over Algeria (3-0) and Austria (2-0), games in which Messi produced two memorable displays.

The Argentine star scored all five goals in those matches, becoming the tournament's all-time leading scorer and moving into pole position for the Golden Boot, one of the few major honours missing from his collection.

Perhaps more importantly, Messi has always wanted to be on the pitch regardless of the opponent or circumstances, especially in what is likely to be his final appearance at football's most prestigious tournament.

Against Austria on Monday, Messi opened the scoring and continued battling until the final moments, sealing the victory in the fifth minute of stoppage time after an exhausting run.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, he acknowledged his fatigue but insisted he was physically fit and ready to play again should coach Lionel Scaloni decide to select him.

"The coach will decide whether I play or not, or how much I play. He only asks me how I feel physically and I feel good," Messi said.

"I don't play thinking about my age. I play based on how I feel physically," added the superstar, whose level at this late stage of his career continues to captivate the wider football world.

Álvarez and Paz in spotlight

At the longest World Cup in history, qualification for the round of 32 is merely another step in Argentina's pursuit of back-to-back titles.

The opportunity to rest players is not always guaranteed in a tournament and Scaloni is keen to have his squad fresh for their first knockout match on July 3 in Miami against an opponent yet to be determined.

At the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he had little choice but to field his strongest available side throughout the tournament after Argentina's shock opening defeat to Saudi Arabia.

Saturday's rotated side could still include players eager to maintain rhythm – such as Messi himself or goalkeeper Emiliano 'Dibu' Martínez, who arrived in the United States after several weeks on the sidelines with a fractured finger on his right hand.

For other senior players, including Julián Álvarez, the match represents much more than simply gaining minutes against a Jordan side already eliminated following defeats to Austria (3-1) and Algeria (2-1).

The striker, who arrived at the tournament carrying an ankle problem, is expected to make his first start and will be looking to strengthen his case ahead of the win-or-go-home knockout rounds.

Álvarez is competing with Lautaro 'Toro' Martínez for a place in the starting XI while also fighting a separate battle off the pitch as he seeks a move away from Atlético Madrid to what he has described as his "dream" club, without revealing its identity (thought to be Barcelona).

Changes are expected across the rest of the team. Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolás Otamendi, Marcos Senesi and Nicolás Tagliafico could all come into the defence, which will be without the injured Cristian 'Cuti' Romero and may also rest Facundo Medina after the booking he received against Austria left him one yellow card away from suspension.

Midfielder Leandro Paredes is also at risk of a ban, potentially opening the door for midfielders such as Exequiel Palacios, Giovani Lo Celso and Giuliano Simeone.

Nor is an opportunity for Nico Paz being ruled out, with the youngster among several players whose futures are being shaped during the tournament.

Real Madrid are considering activating their buy-back clause for the Spain-born attacking midfielder following an outstanding season at Como and the exposure provided by the World Cup stage.