DALLAS: Lionel Messi continued his sensational form at the FIFA World Cup 2026, coming off the bench to score as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 on Saturday to finish the group stage with a perfect record and secure momentum heading into the knockout rounds.
The defending champions topped Group J with maximum nine points after earlier victories over Algeria (3-0) and Austria (2-0). Messi, who was rested at the start of the match, entered the field after the hour mark and sealed Argentina’s victory with a trademark free-kick, taking his tournament tally to six goals and moving to the top of the scoring charts.
Argentina will now face tournament debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on July 3 in Miami. Ranked 67th in the world, Cape Verde face a daunting challenge against an Argentine side led by an in-form Messi.
Coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his starting lineup, keeping only goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and striker Lautaro Martinez from the previous win over Austria. Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring with a superb first-half free-kick before Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead from the penalty spot after a VAR review awarded Argentina a spot-kick.
Jordan briefly reduced the deficit early in the second half when Mousa Al-Tamari scored from close range. Moments later, loud chants from Argentina supporters called for Messi’s introduction, and the captain responded by calmly curling home a free-kick to restore his side’s two-goal advantage.
Scaloni praised Messi’s leadership after the match, revealing that the 39-year-old could have started but chose to give his teammates valuable playing time ahead of the knockout stage.
Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso described Argentina’s group campaign as highly successful despite conceding their first goal of the tournament. He said the team must now focus entirely on Cape Verde, warning that every match from this stage onward will be significantly tougher.
Argentina are aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the World Cup title. With Lionel Messi in outstanding form and the squad showing impressive depth, the South American giants head into the knockout phase as one of the strongest contenders for the FIFA World Cup 2026 crown.
