Jordan 1-3 Argentina
Jordan goal: Mousa Altamari (55) Argentina goals: Giovani Lo Celso (19), Lautaro Martínez (31 pen), Lionel Messi (80)
DALLAS, TX — Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his sixth goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026™ as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 in Dallas. He lashed home an 80th-minute free-kick to net for the seventh successive World Cup game, setting a new record.
With top spot already confirmed ahead of the match, Messi was named among the substitutes as Lionel Scaloni made nine changes from the team that started their 2-0 win over Austria on Monday. He was brought on after an hour and, predictably, stole the show with another fine goal.
Giovani Lo Celso gave Argentina the lead early on with a sweetly struck free-kick of his own, before Lautaro Martínez doubled their advantage from the penalty spot.
Jordan, who went into the game knowing they could no longer qualify, refused to buckle and pulled a goal back shortly after half-time. Mousa Altamari was the scorer, emphatically converting Ehsan Haddad’s cross to spark joyous celebrations.
Messi was brought on soon after and it was the genius No10 who restored Argentina’s two-goal cushion. He is now two strikes ahead of superstar quartet Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembélé, Vinicius Júnior and Erling Haaland in the adidas Golden Boot race.
Next up for Argentina is a Round of 32 clash with Cabo Verde in Miami on Friday.
|
Group J
|
P | W | D | L | GF | GA | GD | TCS | Pts | Form | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
 Argentina
|
3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 1 | 7 | -2 | 9 |
–
–
|
|
| 2 |
 Austria
|
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6 | 6 | 0 | -4 | 4 |
–
–
|
|
| 3 |
 Algeria
|
3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 5 | 7 | -2 | -1 | 4 |
–
–
|
|
| 4 |
 Jordan
|
3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 8 | -5 | -4 | 0 |
–
–
|
|
Key stat
Argentina fielded World Cup starting XI without Lionel Messi for the first time since 30 June 2006, when La Albiceleste were beaten in a quarter-final by host nation Germany
Michelob Ultra Superior Player of the Match
Giovani Lo Celso (Argentina)
What they said…
“I’m happy because we gave everyone minutes, and that’s very important for us. Especially for Lo Celso, who couldn’t be at the previous World Cup, and for Lautaro, who hadn’t scored yet and had a good night. And Leo’s goal. I’m happy, and now the good part begins.” Lionel Scaloni, Argentina coach
“We got nine points, we finished first like we wanted, and that’s not easy at all. Now it’s time to rest and start thinking about the next match against Cabo Verde.” Thiago Almada, Argentina midfielder
Information and Photos Courtesy of FIFA
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