By Dwayne Ferreira.
Lionel Messi comes off the bench to score as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1, complete a perfect Group J campaign.
Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his sixth goal of the tournament as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1, completing a perfect Group J campaign and advancing with maximum points.
Argentina had already qualified before the match in Dallas, allowing Lionel Scaloni to make nine changes from the side that beat Austria. Messi began on the bench, while only Emiliano Martínez and Lautaro Martínez were retained from the previous starting line-up.
Jordan, already eliminated after defeats to Austria and Algeria, approached the match with freedom but also with the knowledge that every error against Argentina could be punished. Their debut World Cup had brought pride and frustration in equal measure, with competitiveness undermined by inexperience.
Argentina controlled the early rhythm despite the changes. Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring, giving the defending champions the calm start they wanted. Lautaro Martínez then added a second before halftime, converting from the penalty spot and reinforcing Argentina’s depth beyond the usual starters.
Jordan refused to disappear. Mousa Al-Tamari pulled a goal back, maintaining his side’s record of scoring in every group match and giving the crowd a reminder of Jordan’s attacking quality. But Argentina’s control of possession and experience prevented the match from becoming truly uncomfortable.
Messi entered after the interval and immediately gave the contest a different energy. In the 80th minute, he curled a free kick from 25 metres into the net to make it 3-1, adding another historic moment to an already record-breaking tournament.
The goal made Messi the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches. It also moved him to six goals at the 2026 tournament, continuing a remarkable late-career run for the Argentina captain.
Jordan coach Jamal Sellami later said the tournament had given his players important lessons despite three defeats. Jordan scored in every match, but errors and inexperience cost them against stronger opponents.
Argentina now move into the round of 32 with three wins, eight goals scored and only one conceded. They will face Cape Verde in Miami on July 3, a meeting that places the defending champions against the tournament’s smallest knockout-stage nation.
The champions have not yet had to chase a match in this tournament. With Messi scoring, squad players contributing and Scaloni able to rotate heavily, Argentina look deep, balanced and ready for the knockout rounds.
MATCH SUMMARY
Jordan – 1
Mousa Al-Tamari
Argentina – 3
Giovani Lo Celso
Lautaro Martínez penalty
Lionel Messi 80’
Result: Argentina won 3-1
Player of the Match: Lionel Messi
Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026, Group J
Venue: Dallas Stadium, Arlington, Texas
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