Argentina concluded their 2026 FIFA World Cup group stages in style after seeing off Jordan 3-1 to make it three wins from three, with Lionel Messi coming off the bench to net a sensational free-kick.
Having already sealed their berth in the knockout round, Lionel Scaloni made a few changes to his side. The Argentina head coach opted to rest Messi, but it didn’t take anything away from their performance as the world champions were thoroughly dominant.
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Giovani Lo Celso put Argentina in front after 19 minutes with a lovely free-kick goal of his own that had Messi grinning ear-to-ear from the bench while Lautaro Martinez doubled their advantage from the penalty spot after Marco Senesi was fouled inside the area.
Jordan pulled one back 10 minutes into the second half when substitute Musa Al-Taamari made it 2-1 and gave the World Cup debutants some hope of coming back in to the contest.
But their hopes were squished when Messi came off the bench to curl in a wonderful free-kick, setting a record by scoring in his seventh consecutive FIFA World Cup match.
Argentina play Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on Friday, 3 July at the Miami Stadium.
Here are the player ratings for Argentina.
Argentina Player Ratings
Emiliano Martinez – 6.5/10
Besides that goal from Al-Taamari, Martinez didn’t have to worry about anything else. In fact, the Aston Villa custodian finished the game without having to make a single save.
Exequiel Palacios – 7/10
His excellent reading of the game paved the way for some vital interceptions, stopping Jordan in their tracks.
Nicolas Otamendi – 7/10
The Argentina veteran held the defensive line well, making two interceptions and four clearances while also making a series of unerring passes to help build play from the back.
Marcos Senesi – 7/10
He won the penalty for Argentina which Martinez converted to put them 1-0 up. But otherwise, Senesi was more involved in midfield than defense as Jordan’s toothless attack allowed him to break forward too often.
Nicolas Tagliafico – 6/10
Not the best performer in the Argentina set up tonight. He didn’t do much wrong, but was far from impressive too. No real attacking output on the left.
Giuliano Simeone – 6/10
Simeone’s World Cup debut was one to forget. His passing wasn’t best and came second-best in most of his duels too.
Nico Paz – 7/10
Tidy in midfield whilst also demonstrating his ball-winning capabilities. Hooked off at the hour mark for Mac Allister.
Leandro Paredes – 7/10
With 154 passes, he set the passing record by an Argentina player at the FIFA World Cup while it’s also the sixth highest by anyone in a single game at the tournament.
Giovani Lo Celso – 8/10
Man, what a free-kick! Messi was seen grinning from the bench as the GOAT surely approved Lo Celso’s set-piece skill to open Argentina’s account for the day.
Lautaro Martinez – 8/10
The Inter Milan striker hit the woodwork twice but made no mistake from the penalty spot, converting it brilliantly to make it 2-0 for Argentina.
Julian Alvarez – 5/10
A disappointing performance from a player who is capable of so much more. He lacked the bite to fully trouble Jordan’s defense and was thoroughly eclipsed by other players around him.
Substitutes
Thiago Almada – 7/10
Ran up and down the pitch in a tireless display.
Lionel Messi – 8.5/10
Scored an impeccable free-kick goal for his sixth at the tournament overall.
Alexis Mac Allister – 7/10
Played passes from the deep to switch play effectively.
Valentin Barco – 7/10
Covered a lot of ground and made excellent decisions on the ball.
Jose Manuel Lopez – N/A
Came on with the match almost sewn-up.
Edited by Nived Zenith