Lionel Messi will sit out Argentina's final Group J match against Jordan at the World Cup.
The defending champions have already sealed their spot in the knockout stage as group winners. They beat Algeria and Austria in their opening matches.
Messi has been in sensational form throughout the tournament. He scored a hat-trick in the opener and added two more goals against Austria.
His five goals brought his career World Cup tally to 18. He's now the tournament's all-time leading goalscorer overall.
Coach Lionel Scaloni confirmed the decision at his pre-match briefing on Thursday. He'll rest the 39-year-old captain for the Jordan clash.
Scaloni made the announcement while answering a question from Macaya Márquez, a legendary Argentine journalist. Márquez is covering his 18th World Cup at 93 years old.
"I'd never reply to any journalist on this topic," Scaloni told reporters. "But it is coming from you, and so I tell you: Messi will not start."
Argentina plans to rotate their squad after clinching top spot. Their attention shifts now to the knockout rounds ahead.
Messi is expected back for the Round of 32 match against Cape Verde on July 3. The game takes place at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida.
Cape Verde is making their World Cup debut as a surprise package in the tournament. Argentina will be looking to defend their title successfully.
A back-to-back World Cup victory would be historic for Argentina. Brazil last achieved the feat in 1962.
