Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 to finish top of Group J with a perfect record as Lionel Messi scored after coming off the bench at the FIFA World Cup 2026

Argentina concluded their group stage campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a clinical 3-1 victory over Jordan at Dallas Stadium on Sunday (IST). Having already secured their place in the knockout stages, the reigning champions demonstrated their squad depth by rotating their starting XI, yet remained firmly in control for much of the contest.
The match began with Argentina asserting dominance early on. Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a spectacular free kick that curled into the top corner. Argentina’s lead was doubled shortly after the half-hour mark when Lautaro Martínez converted a penalty following a VAR review, marking his first goal of the tournament.
Jordan, despite being eliminated from the competition, refused to yield. The debutants found a breakthrough early in the second half when Mousa Al-Taamari, introduced as a substitute at the break, latched onto a cross from captain Ihsan Haddad to narrow the deficit to 2-1.
The introduction of Lionel Messi, who had started the match on the bench, provided the final flourish for the Albiceleste. The Argentine captain entered the fray in the second half and added a third goal in the 80th minute, sealing the result.
This win confirms Argentina’s position at the top of Group J with a perfect record of nine points. Lionel Scaloni’s side will now look ahead to the Round of 32, where they are scheduled to face Cape Verde in Miami.
For Jordan, the tournament concludes after three group matches, but the team leaves with the experience of their first-ever World Cup appearance and a hard-fought goal against the defending champions.
Updates
Full time
Jordan 1-3 Argentina
The referee brings the second period to an end
Goal 80'
Lionel MESSI (Argentina) scores
Match resumes
Second half underway
Half time
Jordan 0-2 Argentina
The referee brings the first period to an end.
Attempt at Goal
ALI AZAIZEH (Jordan) attempts an effort on goal
Goal 31'
Lautaro MARTINEZ (Argentina) successfully converts the penalty
Attempt at Goal
Marcos SENESI (Argentina) attempts an effort on goal.
Goal 19'
Giovani LO CELSO (Argentina) scores
Yellow Card
MOHANNAD ABUTAHA (Jordan) is booked by the referee.
Attempt at Goal
First sight of goal from either nation as Nicolas Otamendi pushes his header from a corner wide of the target.
Offside
Giovani LO CELSO (Argentina) is ruled offside.
No Messi
Messi benched for the game
Game On
First half underway
Kick Off Time
Match to begin at 07:30 am IST
Published: 28 Jun 2026, 07:00 am IST
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