Argentina Finish Group J In Style

Argentina maintained their 100% record at the 2026 World Cup as they beat Jordan 3-1 in Dallas to complete a perfect Group J campaign.

With top spot already secured, Lionel Scaloni rotated his side, but the reigning champions still had too much quality for the World Cup debutants.

Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring with a superb free-kick, Lautaro Martinez doubled the advantage from the penalty spot, Mousa Al Tamari briefly gave Jordan hope, and Lionel Messi came off the bench to score yet another record-breaking goal.

The victory means Argentina head into the knockout rounds with maximum points, while Jordan leave the tournament with pride after a spirited first World Cup campaign.

Lo Celso And Lautaro Put Argentina In Control

Even with several regular starters rested, Argentina began with the confidence and clarity of a side that knows exactly how to manage tournament football.

The opening goal arrived in the 19th minute when Giovani Lo Celso whipped a beautiful free-kick into the top corner, giving Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila no chance.

Argentina then doubled their lead in the 31st minute. After a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty when Marcos Senesi was inadvertently kicked in the head as he attempted to meet the ball inside the area.

Lautaro Martinez stepped up and hammered his penalty emphatically into the bottom corner, putting the South Americans firmly in charge before half-time.

Jordan Fight Back Before Messi Steals The Show

Jordan continued to battle and were rewarded 10 minutes into the second half with one of the best moments of their tournament.

Having started the move himself, Mousa Al Tamari was in the right place to convert Ehsan Haddad’s excellent ball across the face of goal, reducing the deficit to 2-1 and sparking huge excitement among the Jordan supporters.

That joy soon gave way to another giant roar in Dallas when Messi was introduced in the 60th minute. Every touch from the Argentina captain was greeted with anticipation by a crowd desperate to witness another special moment.

They got exactly that in the 80th minute, when Messi curled a low free-kick around the wall and into the net to restore Argentina’s two-goal lead and seal the result.

Another Messi Record Falls

Messi’s goal was his sixth of the tournament, putting him clear at the top of the golden boot race and extending his World Cup scoring record to 19 goals.

It also made him the first man to score in seven consecutive World Cup games, another remarkable milestone in a career already full of them.

For Argentina, it was the ideal ending to the group phase: no pressure on the standings, key players rested, another win collected, and their greatest player still able to decide the story from the bench.

Key Events

• 19′ – Jordan 0-1 Argentina: Giovani Lo Celso curls a superb free-kick into the top corner.
• 31′ – Jordan 0-2 Argentina: Lautaro Martinez thumps home a penalty after a VAR-reviewed foul inside the box.
• 55′ – Jordan 1-2 Argentina: Mousa Al Tamari finishes a well-worked move after Ehsan Haddad’s assist.
• 60′: Lionel Messi comes off the bench to a huge ovation in Dallas.
• 80′ – Jordan 1-3 Argentina: Messi curls a low free-kick around the wall to score his sixth goal of the tournament.
• Full-time – Jordan 1-3 Argentina: Argentina complete a perfect group stage while Jordan bow out with credit.

Jordan Analysis: Brave And Competitive To The End

Jordan may have been eliminated before kick-off, but there was no sense of surrender in their performance. They remained organised, competed honestly and produced a fine goal through Al Tamari.

Their first World Cup campaign has brought difficult lessons, but also moments of real quality and national pride. Against the reigning champions, they again showed courage and discipline.

Al Tamari’s goal was another reminder that Jordan can hurt strong teams when they combine quickly and attack with purpose.

Argentina Analysis: Depth, Calm And Star Power

Argentina looked comfortable throughout, even without needing to go full throttle. Lo Celso’s quality from set-pieces, Lautaro’s ruthlessness from the spot and Messi’s impact from the bench underlined the squad’s variety and depth.

Scaloni will be particularly pleased that his side controlled the tempo, avoided unnecessary stress and still produced a memorable moment for the supporters in Dallas.

The champions now head into the knockout stage with strong momentum and with Messi still adding new records to an already extraordinary tournament story.

Final Score

Jordan 1-3 Argentina

Half-time: Jordan 0-2 Argentina

Venue: Dallas Stadium

Attendance: 70,649

What This Result Means

Argentina finish top of Group J with maximum points and head into the World Cup last 32 full of confidence.

Jordan exit the competition after three group games, but their debut tournament included valuable experience and a number of proud moments.

Man of the Match

Lionel Messi came off the bench to change the mood of the whole stadium and score another brilliant World Cup goal.

Hot Stat

Lionel Messi became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches in the men’s tournament.