ARLINGTON, June 28: Argentina completed a flawless Group J campaign with a composed 3-1 victory over Jordan, maintaining their 100 percent record while giving several squad players an opportunity to shine before the knockout stage.
With qualification already secured, coach Lionel Scaloni rotated much of his starting lineup, but the defending champions showed little sign of disruption. Argentina dominated possession from the outset and were rewarded when Giovani Lo Celso curled a superb free-kick into the net to settle early nerves.
Jordan refused to be overwhelmed and continued to compete with admirable spirit. Their supporters created a lively atmosphere inside AT&T Stadium, roaring every tackle and forward surge as the tournament debutants looked to finish their historic campaign on a positive note.
Argentina doubled their advantage through Lautaro Martínez, who calmly converted from the penalty spot to register his first World Cup goal since 2022. Jordan responded after the interval when substitute Mousa Al-Taamari reduced the deficit, briefly injecting belief into the underdogs and delighting their travelling fans.
Any hopes of a comeback were extinguished when Lionel Messi emerged from the bench and reminded everyone why he remains the heartbeat of Argentina. The captain produced another moment of brilliance with a low free-kick that beat the goalkeeper to seal a 3-1 victory and his sixth goal of the tournament.
The victory ensured Argentina progressed to the Round of 32 with maximum points from three matches and will now face Cape Verde. Jordan bow out of the competition, but the World Cup debutants leave the tournament having earned widespread admiration for their commitment and fearless approach on football’s biggest stage.
