India, June 28 -- Lionel Messi starting a World Cup match on the bench is not a normal football event anymore. It is history pausing for a second look. Argentina's final Group J game against Jordan at Dallas Stadium had already been shaped by the larger context of the tournament: the defending champions were through, their knockout place was secure, and Lionel Scaloni had the luxury of rotation. But Messi's name among the substitutes still carried its own weight.

Scaloni made sweeping changes for the Jordan game, resting several first-choice players with the Round of 32 ahead. Messi, who had carried Argentina through the first two group matches in spectacular fashion, was the biggest name protected. Argentina had beaten Algeria 3-0 and A...