Jordan vs Argentina
Photography by: Gabriel Bayona
Even with Lionel Messi starting on the bench, Argentina never looked like taking their foot off the gas.
The defending world champions wrapped up a flawless Group J campaign with a 3-1 victory over Jordan on Saturday in Arlington, collecting a maximum nine points while showing the depth that has made them one of the tournament favorites. And, fittingly, when Messi eventually entered the match, he still managed to steal the spotlight.
With top spot already secured, head coach Lionel Scaloni rotated heavily, making nine changes to his starting lineup. The fresh faces responded immediately.
Giovani Lo Celso, making his first World Cup start after missing Argentina's 2022 triumph through injury, opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a beautifully curled free kick after being fouled just outside the penalty area. It marked Argentina's first World Cup goal by a player other than Messi in this tournament.
Argentina doubled its lead just after the half-hour. Lautaro Martínez first rattled the crossbar before a VAR review spotted a foul in the ensuing scramble, allowing the Inter Milan striker to calmly convert from the penalty spot for his first goal of the competition.
Jordan, already eliminated but determined to make an impression in its World Cup debut, refused to fade quietly. Mousa Al Tamari came off the bench at halftime and halved the deficit in the 55th minute, finishing confidently after Ehsan Haddad's low cross to give the underdogs renewed belief.
That resurgence prompted Scaloni to call upon his captain.
Messi entered just after the hour mark and needed only 20 minutes to add another memorable chapter to his remarkable World Cup career. After seeing one free kick sail over the bar, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner earned another opportunity from nearly the same spot and made no mistake, driving a low effort through a gap in Jordan's wall and into the bottom corner to seal Argentina's 3-1 victory.
The goal was significant for more than just the result. It was Messi's sixth of the tournament, strengthening his lead in the Golden Boot race, while extending his all-time World Cup scoring record to 19 goals. He also became the first player ever to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.
While Messi once again grabbed the headlines, Argentina's biggest takeaway may have been the performances around him. Lo Celso looked sharp throughout midfield, Martínez found the breakthrough he had been searching for, and several squad players proved capable of maintaining the high standard established by the regular starters.
Argentina now heads to Miami for a Round of 32 meeting with Cabo Verde carrying perfect momentum. Three matches, three wins, and a squad that appears just as dangerous with its supporting cast as it does with the greatest player of his generation leading the way.
