Argentina secured a perfect group stage record at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a hard fought 3-1 victory over Jordan, but it was another historic night for Lionel Messi, whose second half strike saw him become the first player in World Cup history to score in seven consecutive tournament matches.
Despite resting several first team regulars, including captain Lionel Messi, head coach Lionel Scaloni watched his side dominate possession for long periods before eventually overcoming a determined Jordanian team that refused to surrender. The victory ensured Argentina finished top of Group J with maximum points and booked a Round of 32 showdown against tournament debutants Cape Verde.
Although Argentina entered the match as overwhelming favourites due to the significant gap in FIFA rankings between the two nations, Jordan produced a spirited display that tested the reigning world champions more than many had expected.
Scaloni’s decision to leave Messi on the bench before introducing him in the second half initially raised eyebrows, but it also allowed several other attacking players to step into the spotlight and prove Argentina possess enough firepower beyond their legendary captain.
Argentina began the match at an electrifying pace, monopolising possession from the opening whistle and pinning Jordan deep inside their own half. Within the first few minutes, Giovani Lo Celso believed he had opened the scoring after finishing an impressive passing move, only for the goal to be ruled out for a marginal offside decision.
The early disappointment did little to affect Argentina’s rhythm.
Their relentless pressure was finally rewarded in the 14th minute when Lo Celso produced one of the finest goals of the tournament. Standing over a free kick just outside the penalty area, the Real Betis midfielder curled a sensational strike beyond goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila and into the top corner to hand Argentina a deserved 1-0 advantage.
The goal reflected Argentina’s complete dominance during the opening stages, with the South Americans controlling almost 90 percent of possession and preventing Jordan from creating any meaningful attacking opportunities.
Jordan struggled to escape their own half as Argentina continued dictating the tempo through Leandro Paredes, Nico Paz and Lo Celso, whose movement and creativity repeatedly stretched the opposition defence.
Argentina doubled their lead in the 31st minute after sustained attacking pressure forced another mistake inside Jordan’s penalty area.
Defender Marcos Senesi was brought down while attempting to attack a corner kick, prompting the referee to award a penalty after a brief consultation.
Inter Milan striker Lautaro Martinez stepped forward with confidence and calmly converted from the spot, sending Abulaila the wrong way to score his first goal of the tournament and extend Argentina’s advantage to 2-0.
The comfortable lead appeared to put the match beyond Jordan’s reach before halftime.
However, the second half produced a far more competitive contest.
Jordan emerged from the dressing room with renewed determination after manager Jamal Sellami introduced attacking reinforcements, including Mousa Tamari and Mahmoud Al Mardi.
The tactical adjustments immediately transformed the game.
Jordan began pressing higher up the pitch and attacking with greater confidence, eventually finding a breakthrough in the 52nd minute.
Following a swift counterattack that exposed Argentina’s defence, Mousa Tamari showed excellent composure inside the penalty area before firing past Emiliano Martinez to reduce the deficit to 2-1 and ignite hopes of a remarkable comeback.
The goal briefly unsettled Argentina, who suddenly looked vulnerable after controlling the match for more than an hour.
Recognising the momentum shifting towards Jordan, Scaloni turned to the player who has rescued Argentina on countless occasions throughout his extraordinary career.
Lionel Messi entered the match in the 60th minute to a thunderous ovation from supporters inside the stadium.
Although the eight time Ballon d’Or winner initially played a deeper creative role, his decisive moment eventually arrived in the 81st minute.
Awarded a free kick just outside the penalty area, Messi delivered another trademark masterpiece by driving a precise low effort beyond the Jordanian wall and past goalkeeper Abulaila to restore Argentina’s two goal advantage.
The strike not only secured a 3-1 victory but also saw Messi create yet another piece of football history.
The Argentine captain became the first player ever to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches, adding another remarkable achievement to an already unparalleled international career.
His latest goal further strengthened his reputation as one of the greatest players ever to grace the World Cup stage.
Beyond Messi’s record breaking contribution, the match also highlighted Argentina’s growing attacking depth.
Lo Celso produced arguably his finest performance of the tournament, combining creativity with outstanding technical quality, while Lautaro Martinez finally ended his World Cup scoring drought with a composed penalty finish.
Young midfielder Nico Paz also impressed with his vision and intelligent movement, continuing to justify the growing interest from several leading European clubs.
Despite defeat, Jordan earned widespread praise for their resilience and fighting spirit.
After a difficult first half, the Asian side refused to collapse and instead challenged the reigning world champions with disciplined pressing and dangerous counterattacks.
Tamari’s goal demonstrated the quality Jordan possesses in transition and served as a reminder that no team can afford complacency at the World Cup.
Attention now shifts to Argentina’s highly anticipated Round of 32 encounter against Cape Verde, one of the biggest surprise packages of the tournament.
The African debutants have captured global admiration with fearless performances throughout the group stage and will relish the opportunity to test themselves against the defending champions.
For Argentina, maintaining their impressive momentum while improving defensively will be crucial as the competition enters its decisive knockout phase.
With Lionel Messi continuing to rewrite football history and new attacking stars stepping forward alongside him, La Albiceleste remain firmly among the favourites to retain the FIFA World Cup crown.
Match Summary
Result: Argentina 3-1 Jordan
Goalscorers:
Giovani Lo Celso – 14th minute
Lautaro Martinez (Penalty) – 31st minute
Mousa Tamari – 52nd minute
Lionel Messi – 81st minute
