Argentina wrapped up their FIFA World Cup 2026 group-stage campaign with another convincing performance, defeating Jordan 3-1 to finish top of Group J with a perfect record. The defending champions collected nine points from three matches and now head into the Round of 32 full of confidence.
Although head coach Lionel Scaloni rotated much of his starting lineup after qualification had already been secured, Argentina still proved too strong for the tournament debutants. The victory extended La Albiceleste's unbeaten run in the competition and reinforced their status as one of the favourites to retain the World Cup.
Full Time Result
Argentina Control the Match
Argentina dominated possession from the opening whistle and created several early opportunities. Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring with a superb free-kick, giving the South Americans a deserved lead after a strong start.
Lautaro Martínez doubled Argentina's advantage from the penalty spot before halftime after Jordan conceded a spot kick. The striker continued his impressive tournament with another composed finish.
Jordan showed determination despite already being eliminated from the competition. They pulled one goal back in the second half through Musa Al-Taamari, briefly raising hopes of a comeback.
Messi Makes History Again
The biggest moment of the night came when Lionel Messi entered the match from the bench. Rested at kickoff, the Argentine captain needed little time to make an impact.
Messi curled a stunning free-kick into the net to restore Argentina's two-goal advantage and seal a 3-1 victory. The goal earned him another remarkable milestone — making him the first player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup appearances.
"Messi became the first player in history to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cups — a record that may never be broken."
It was also his sixth goal of the 2026 tournament, keeping him among the leading scorers heading into the knockout stage.
Goals
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23'
Giovani Lo Celso 🇦🇷 Argentina — Free-kick
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38'
Lautaro Martínez 🇦🇷 Argentina — Penalty
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67'
Musa Al-Taamari 🇯🇴 Jordan
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79'
Lionel Messi 🇦🇷 Argentina — Free-kick (sub)
Key Players
Lionel Messi
Entered from the bench and immediately made his mark with a trademark free-kick, rewriting the record books in the process.
Lautaro Martínez
The Inter Milan striker continued his fine tournament form, converting from the spot and leading the line impressively in Messi's absence from the start.
Squad Rotation Pays Off
With qualification already secured before kickoff, Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his starting XI. Despite the wholesale rotation, Argentina maintained their usual intensity, controlled possession, and rarely looked troubled.
The performance highlighted the remarkable depth of Argentina's squad, with both experienced stars and younger players stepping up when called upon. The semi-final winning side remains fresh for the knockout rounds.
What's Next
By finishing top of Group J with three wins from three matches, Argentina advance to the Round of 32 with maximum points. Their next challenge will be against Cape Verde in the knockout stage as they continue their quest to defend the World Cup title.
Key Takeaways
- Argentina finished the group stage with three wins from three matches and nine points.
- Lionel Messi scored after coming off the bench with a stunning free-kick.
- Messi became the first player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup appearances.
- Messi's sixth goal of 2026 keeps him among the tournament's top scorers.
- Argentina advance to the Round of 32 as Group J winners to face Cape Verde.