Lionel Messi continued his remarkable form at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, coming off the bench to score his sixth goal of the tournament as defending champions Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 to complete a flawless Group J campaign.
With qualification for the Round of 32 already secured, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni rested several key players, including Messi, who began the match on the bench. However, the 39-year-old superstar was introduced just after the hour mark to a thunderous ovation from fans in Texas and sealed the victory with a trademark free-kick.
The goal leaves Messi as the tournament’s leading scorer with six goals and underlines Argentina’s credentials as they chase a second consecutive World Cup title.
Argentina took control of the match early, opening the scoring in the 19th minute when Giovani Lo Celso curled a superb free-kick past Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila.
The South American champions doubled their advantage before halftime after a VAR review awarded a penalty when Marcos Senesi was kicked in the face while attempting a diving header. Lautaro Martinez made no mistake from the spot.
Jordan briefly threatened a comeback 10 minutes into the second half as Mousa Al-Tamari finished from close range to reduce the deficit.
But Messi’s introduction quickly restored Argentina’s dominance. The captain capped another impressive display by curling home a free-kick to put the result beyond doubt.
The victory ensured Argentina finished top of Group J with the maximum nine points, having also defeated Algeria 3-0 and Austria 2-0, with Messi scoring in each of those victories.
Scaloni made nine changes to the starting line-up, retaining only goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and striker Lautaro Martinez from the previous win over Austria, but Argentina still produced a convincing performance.
Jordan, appearing at their first FIFA World Cup, had already been eliminated following defeats to Algeria and Austria, making the match significant only for Argentina’s quest to maintain momentum.
The holders now turn their attention to the Round of 32, where they will face tournament debutants Cape Verde in Miami on July 3 as they continue their bid to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.
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