ARLINGTON, Texas, June 28 (ANI) — Reigning champions Argentina continued their dominant run in the FIFA World Cup 2026, defeating Jordan 3-1 to complete the group stage with a perfect record and top Group J.
Already assured of qualification to the Round of 32 before kickoff, head coach Lionel Scaloni rotated heavily, making nine changes to the starting lineup. Captain Lionel Messi began the match on the bench.
Despite the changes, Argentina controlled the match from the start and took a first-half lead through Giovani Lo Celso, who scored in the 19th minute with a curling free-kick from around 20 yards out that left Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila with no chance.
Argentina doubled their advantage shortly after the half-hour mark following a VAR review, which led to a penalty after Ihsan Haddad fouled Marcos Senesi. Lautaro Martínez converted calmly, marking his first FIFA World Cup goal and giving Argentina a 2-0 lead at halftime.
Jordan responded after the break and pulled one back in the 55th minute when Haddad delivered a low cross that Musa Al-Tamaari finished to give his side hope.
Scaloni introduced Lionel Messi in the 60th minute, drawing a strong ovation from the crowd. The Argentina captain later sealed the result in the 80th minute with a trademark low free-kick that restored the two-goal cushion.
The goal marked Messi’s 19th FIFA World Cup goal, extending his record as Argentina’s all-time leading scorer in the tournament.
Argentina finished the group stage with three wins from three matches and will face tournament debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 in Miami on July 4 (local time). Jordan exited the tournament after three defeats, though they managed to score in each group match, offering positives for the future.
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