Argentina secured a 3-1 victory over Jordan on Saturday, heading into the World Cup knockout rounds with momentum. Lionel Messi, starting as a substitute, entered the game in the second half to register his sixth goal of the tournament via a free-kick. This result cements Argentina’s position at the top of Group J with a perfect record, following previous shutouts against Algeria and Austria.
Despite the match being inconsequential for Jordan, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his lineup to keep the squad competitive. Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring with an early free-kick, followed by a Lautaro Martinez penalty. Although Mousa Al-Tamari scored for Jordan, the champions maintained control throughout the match held at the Dallas Cowboys stadium.
Scaloni noted that Messi’s decision to start on the bench demonstrated leadership and consideration for his teammates. Argentina now prepares for a Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde on July 3 in Miami. The squad aims to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to claim consecutive World Cup titles.
