Lionel Messi came off the bench to write another chapter in his remarkable World Cup career, scoring a stunning late free-kick as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 to complete a perfect Group J campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Already assured of top spot before kick-off, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni rested his captain from the starting lineup. But even with limited minutes, Messi produced the decisive moment, curling home a trademark free-kick 10 minutes from time to secure victory and extend several personal records.
The goal saw Messi become the first player in World Cup history to score in seven consecutive tournament appearances. It was also his sixth goal of the 2026 finals and the 19th World Cup goal of his legendary career, strengthening his lead in the race for the Golden Boot.
Argentina dominated possession from the opening whistle and created the game’s first opportunity when stand-in captain Nicolás Otamendi headed Giovani Lo Celso’s corner over the crossbar.
Lo Celso soon made amends with a superb opener in the 19th minute. After being brought down by Mohannad Abu Taha just outside the penalty area, the Real Betis midfielder stepped up and curled an unstoppable free-kick beyond Yazeed Abulaila into the top-left corner.
It was a dream World Cup debut for Lo Celso, who became the first Argentine to score on his tournament debut since Martín Palermo found the net against Greece in 2010.
Argentina continued to pile on the pressure as Lautaro Martínez struck the woodwork from Nicolás Tagliafico’s inviting cross before Marcos Senesi saw his rebound brilliantly saved by Abulaila.
The attack, however, resulted in a penalty after VAR spotted Nizar Al Rashdan catching Senesi with a high boot inside the six-yard box. Referee István Kovács pointed to the spot following a review, and Martínez calmly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to double Argentina’s advantage.
The Inter Milan striker finally ended his long wait for a World Cup goal, scoring at the 17th attempt in his ninth appearance for the reigning world champions. The strike was also his 38th international goal, moving him into fourth place on Argentina’s all-time scoring list.
Otamendi and Julián Álvarez both came close to extending the lead before halftime, while Martínez struck the crossbar for a second time shortly after the restart.
Just as Scaloni prepared to introduce Messi midway through the second half, Jordan found a way back into the contest.
Substitute Mousa Al Tamari timed his run perfectly to meet Ehsan Haddad’s inch-perfect cross and steer the ball past Emiliano Martínez, giving Jordan renewed belief with just over 20 minutes remaining.
Any hopes of an unlikely comeback were short-lived.
Messi entered the action and immediately lifted Argentina’s attacking rhythm. After gliding past Amer Jamous, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner won a free-kick in a dangerous position before producing another moment of brilliance. His curling effort flew around the defensive wall and nestled into the corner beyond the helpless Abulaila, sealing Argentina’s third victory in as many group matches.
The goal also placed Argentina among a select group of nations to score two direct free-kicks in a single World Cup match, joining Brazil, Yugoslavia and Japan in achieving the feat.
Although Jordan briefly threatened after reducing the deficit, Argentina remained in control throughout the contest. Scaloni’s side finished with an expected goals (xG) tally of 2.13 from 12 shots, comfortably outperforming Jordan’s 0.74 xG from just five attempts.
The victory maintained Argentina’s 100 percent record in Group J and reinforced their status as one of the favourites to retain the World Cup trophy. Squad rotation also proved successful, with Lo Celso and Martínez both taking their opportunities in Messi’s absence before the captain delivered his customary match-winning contribution.
Argentina will now face Cape Verde in the Round of 32, while Jordan exit the tournament after a spirited display against the defending champions. With Messi in record-breaking form and the supporting cast continuing to impress, Scaloni’s side head into the knockout stages carrying significant momentum and growing belief that another World Cup triumph is within reach.
