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Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his sixth goal of the 2026 World Cup as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 in their final Group J match, fine-tuning preparations for their World Cup knockout clash against debutants Cape Verde.
With qualification already secured, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni opted for heavy rotation, making nine changes and keeping only Emiliano Martínez and Lautaro Martínez from the side that beat Austria. The result, however, still reinforced their status as one of the tournament favourites, as they finished top of the group with maximum points.
Argentina had already recorded wins over Algeria (3-0) and Austria (2-0), with Messi scoring in both matches. Against Jordan, the pattern continued in emphatic fashion, though the captain initially started on the bench in Texas.
First-half goals from Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez put the defending champions in control. Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a well-placed free-kick that left Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila stranded. Martínez then doubled the lead from the penalty spot after a VAR review ruled that Marcos Senesi had been kicked in the face during an aerial challenge.
Jordan, already eliminated following earlier defeats to Algeria and Austria, reduced the deficit shortly after the restart when Mousa Al-Tamari finished from close range. The goal briefly disrupted Argentina’s rhythm and added a rare moment of tension in an otherwise controlled performance.
However, the introduction of Messi after an hour shifted the tempo once again. As he stepped onto the pitch to loud cheers, Argentina’s supporters at the packed Dallas Cowboys stadium anticipated another decisive contribution. Their expectation was quickly rewarded.
With 10 minutes remaining, Messi curled in a free-kick to seal the victory and register yet another goal in a tournament he now leads in scoring across North America. It was a familiar pattern, having previously scored a hat-trick against Algeria and a brace versus Austria, underscoring his continued influence at 39.
Cape Verde, ranked 67th and making their World Cup debut, will now face an Argentina side brimming with confidence when they meet in Miami on July 3.
