Argentina have already secured top spot in their group, but head coach Lionel Scaloni is refusing to let standards drop as the reigning world champions prepare for their final group-stage clash against Jordan.

With qualification already guaranteed, Scaloni confirmed that Lionel Messi will begin the match among the substitutes, choosing to manage his captain's workload ahead of the knockout rounds.

Messi to Be Rested

After inspiring Argentina with five goals in victories over Algeria and Austria, Messi has been the driving force behind La Albiceleste's perfect start to the tournament.

However, with the Round of 32 just around the corner, Scaloni believes now is the right moment to give the 39-year-old superstar a well-earned rest.

"Leo will start on the bench," Scaloni revealed.

"He'll come into the game a little later."

The Argentine coach made the announcement while responding to legendary 91-year-old journalist Enrique Macaya Márquez, choosing to give a clear and honest answer out of respect for one of the country's most iconic football reporters.

Every Player Has Earned This Opportunity

Scaloni rejected any suggestion that Argentina would field a weakened side simply because qualification has already been secured.

Instead, he emphasized that every player in the squad deserves the chance to contribute.

"The players starting tomorrow deserve to play," he said.

"They've worked incredibly hard every day in training."

"They're an essential part of everything we've achieved."

For Scaloni, squad unity has been one of Argentina's greatest strengths throughout the tournament.

His goal is simple:

Build a team capable of winning regardless of who is on the pitch.

"My dream as a coach is for Argentina to perform at the same level no matter which players start."

Every Match Matters

Even with first place already guaranteed, Scaloni insists his team's mentality will remain unchanged.

"It doesn't matter whether the points are important or not," he explained.

"When you wear the Argentina shirt, your only objective is to win."

That competitive mentality has become one of the defining characteristics of this generation of Argentine footballers.

From the opening match of the tournament until now, the expectations have never changed.

Every game is treated like a final.

Jordan Expected to Defend Deep

Argentina's final opponents, Jordan, have already been eliminated after losing their opening two matches in what is their first-ever World Cup appearance.

Scaloni expects the underdogs to defend with numbers behind the ball in an attempt to frustrate the South American champions.

"Jordan usually play with five defenders," he said.

"We've prepared for different scenarios."

"If necessary, we'll adjust our tactics depending on how the match develops."

The flexibility shown by Argentina throughout the tournament has been one of their biggest strengths, and Scaloni is confident his side can adapt to whatever challenge they face.

Eyes on the Bigger Prize

While the clash against Jordan offers another opportunity to maintain momentum, Argentina's focus is already beginning to shift toward the knockout rounds.

Managing Messi's minutes, rotating the squad and keeping every player sharp are all part of Scaloni's long-term plan.

The ultimate objective remains unchanged.

Defend the World Cup title.

And with confidence growing, squad depth proving invaluable and Messi still ready to make an impact when needed, Argentina head into the business end of the tournament looking every bit like genuine contenders once again.