Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his sixth goal in the tournament, maintaining his status as the top scorer at the World Cup, as reigning champions Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1. Lionel Scaloni’s side secured the maximum points in their group, while Jordan remained in fourth place.
Argentina’s head coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to the starting lineup, retaining only goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and striker Lautaro Martínez. Messi started on the bench, with experienced defender Nicolás Otamendi appointed as captain.
Messi entered the game in the 60th minute to a rapturous reception from the fans and sealed the victory 20 minutes later with his trademark free-kick. The Argentine captain struck low, curling the ball around the wall into the far corner, confirming the 3-1 win.
World Cup 2026
Jordan 1-3 Argentina (0-2)
Goals: Lo Celso 19 (0-1); Lautaro Martínez 31 (penalty) (0-2); Al-Tamari 55 (1-2); Messi 80 (1-3)
Jordan: Abulayla; Nasib; Abu Dagab (Obaid, 90); Al-Arab; Abu Taha; Haddad; Al-Rashdan (Jamus, 76); Al-Rawabdeh; Al-Fakhouri (Al-Mardi, 46); Azaize (Al-Tamari, 46); Olwan (Sharar, 90)
Substitutions: Al-Tamari (from 46); Al-Mardi (from 46); Jamus (from 76); Obaid (from 90); Sharar (from 90)
Reserves: Bani Attia; Al-Fakhouri; Abu Hashish; Abualnadi; Al-Rosan; Badawi; Ayed; Sade; Al-Dawood
Yellow cards: Abu Taha 17; Al-Arab 64; Sharar 94
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