Messi expected to be the biggest absentee for the match against Jordan

Argentina will make sweeping changes for Saturday’s World Cup group game against Jordan after securing first place in Group J and early progress to the last 16.

Lionel Scaloni is expected to protect several of his regular starters, with the squad likely to look very different from the side that wrapped up qualification. Emiliano Martínez and Lionel Messi are both pushing to play, though the final call on the captain is still being assessed by the medical staff.

Martínez has recovered from a broken ring finger on his right hand and is expected to start in goal, despite the plan to give other players a rest. Messi, who has scored five goals in two matches so far, could either start or be used from the bench as Argentina manage his workload.

The changes should reach every line. Gonzalo Montiel is set to return at right-back, Nicolás Otamendi will lead the defence, and Nicolás Tagliafico is likely to start on the left. Leandro Paredes is expected to anchor midfield, with Julián Álvarez leading the attack ahead of Lautaro Martínez.