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Lionel Messi added another milestone to his remarkable career as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 to finish the FIFA World Cup group stage with a flawless record and secure top spot in Group J.
Already assured of qualification before kick-off, Argentina rested several regular starters, including Messi, who began the match on the bench. Even so, Lionel Scaloni’s side remained in control, with Giovani Lo Celso opening the scoring in the 19th minute after curling a superb free-kick into the top corner.
The South American champions doubled their advantage 12 minutes later when Lautaro Martínez confidently converted a penalty awarded after a VAR review showed Marcos Senesi had been kicked in the head while attempting to head the ball inside the penalty area.
Jordan responded positively after the interval and reduced the deficit in the 55th minute through Mousa Al Tamari, who completed an excellent team move after receiving a precise cross from Ehsan Haddad. The goal briefly lifted the underdogs, who continued to press despite already being eliminated from the competition.
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The loudest applause of the evening came five minutes later when Messi entered the match. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner wasted little time making his mark, curling a trademark free-kick beyond the Jordan wall in the 80th minute to restore Argentina’s two-goal cushion and put the result beyond doubt.
The strike carried historic significance, making Messi the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches. It also extended his World Cup tally to 19 goals and took his tournament total to six, moving him two goals clear in the race for the Golden Boot.
Argentina completed the group stage with maximum nine points and will face World Cup debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32. Jordan, meanwhile, finished bottom of Group J and exited the tournament despite a spirited display in their final outing.
