Argentina signed off from the FIFA World Cup 2026 group stage with a commanding 3-1 victory over Jordan, maintaining their perfect record with three wins in as many matches. Even after resting several first-choice players, the defending champions looked in complete control and finished atop Group J ahead of their Round of 32 meeting with Cape Verde.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni opted to rotate his squad heavily, making nine changes to the starting XI and leaving Lionel Messi on the bench. The changes, however, did little to disrupt Argentina's rhythm as the Albiceleste dominated possession and created chances throughout the contest.
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Argentina seized control with two first-half goals
Argentina made their early dominance count in the 19th minute when Giovani Lo Celso broke the deadlock. The South American side continued to press forward and doubled the advantage before halftime after a VAR review awarded them a penalty. Lautaro Martinez kept his composure from the spot, giving Jordan's goalkeeper no chance and extending Argentina's lead to 2-0.
/ANI Jordan struggled to cope with Argentina's movement and passing during the opening 45 minutes, with Scaloni's reshuffled lineup showing the depth available to the defending champions.
Messi puts the game beyond Jordan
Jordan briefly threatened to make a contest of it after Mousa Al Tamari finished a well-worked move in the 55th minute to reduce the deficit.
Messi was introduced around the hour mark and quickly reminded everyone why he remains Argentina's biggest attacking weapon. In the 80th minute, the captain curled a superb free-kick into the net to restore his side's two-goal cushion. The strike was his sixth goal of the tournament and effectively ended Jordan's hopes of mounting a comeback.
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Knockout focus shifts to Cape Verde
Argentina comfortably saw out the remaining minutes to complete a flawless Group J campaign. Three wins from three matches ensured they advanced to the knockout stage with maximum points and plenty of confidence.
With key players rested, squad depth tested and Messi once again on the scoresheet, Argentina now turn their attention to a Round of 32 clash against tournament debutants Cape Verde on Saturday, July 4, as they continue the defence of their FIFA World Cup crown.
