Argentina 3-1 Jordan: Messi scores a spectacular free-kick, defending champions assert their dominance.
Lionel Messi once again demonstrated his genius when he came off the bench and scored the goal that sealed Argentina's 3-1 victory over Jordan. This result propelled the Albiceleste into the knockout round of the 2026 World Cup as group J leaders.
Argentina just completed their 2026 World Cup group stage campaign with a dominant performance against Jordan at the AT&T Stadium. Despite struggling at times against a resurgent West Asian side, the defending champions' resilience and a moment of genius from Lionel Messi completely decided the outcome of the match.
Absolute dominance in the first half.
From the opening whistle, Argentina established complete control of the game. With possession at times reaching 80%, coach Scaloni's players deployed a fluid attacking style through the center, forcing Jordan into a defensive posture. The quick and precise ball circulation of the Albiceleste midfield left their opponents with almost no chance to retaliate.
The deadlock was broken early in the 19th minute. From a set piece, Giovani Lo Celso executed a technically brilliant left-footed free kick. The ball traveled with an unpredictable trajectory, finding the back of the net and leaving goalkeeper Abulaila helpless, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead.
Continuing their momentum, the defending champions relentlessly increased the pressure. In the 31st minute, after consulting VAR, the referee determined that a Jordan defender had committed a foul inside the penalty area. From the penalty spot, Lautaro Martinez made no mistake with a decisive finish, doubling the lead. This was a crucial goal that helped the number 22 striker relieve psychological pressure after a series of matches where he hadn't truly shone.
The turning point came from Scaloni's personnel changes.
In the second half, Jordan unexpectedly pushed forward and took advantage of Argentina's defensive lapses. In the 55th minute, Mousa Tamari punished a rare mistake by the South American defenders with a neat finish, reducing the score to 1-2. This goal boosted Jordan's morale, creating a tense and closely contested period.
Noticing his team's rhythm starting to become disrupted, coach Scaloni brought Lionel Messi onto the field. "El Pulga's" presence immediately changed the game completely. He played a key role in regulating the tempo, making Argentina's play more fluid and unpredictable, while constantly putting the Jordan defense on high alert.
In the 80th minute, the most explosive moment of the match arrived. From a direct free kick just outside the penalty area, Messi conjured a perfect curve with his magical left foot. The ball flew over the wall and nestled straight into the top corner of the net, sealing a 3-1 victory for Argentina. This masterpiece not only extinguished Jordan's hopes of a comeback but also reaffirmed the class of the greatest player in the world.
Entering the round of 32 with the lead.
This convincing victory solidified Argentina's position at the top of Group J. This is the perfect springboard, both in terms of results and morale, for their journey to defend their title. In the Round of 32, Scaloni's team will face Cape Verde – a team considered a surprise of this year's tournament.
Overall, despite Jordan's commendable efforts, the difference in class and the brilliance of Argentina's attacking stars allowed them to deservedly secure all three points.
Final results:Argentina 3-1 Jordan
- Argentina's goals:Giovani Lo Celso (19'), Lautaro Martinez (31' pen), Lionel Messi (80')
- Jordan scored:Mousa Tamari (55')
