Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni expressed deep admiration for Lionel Messi following the team’s 3-1 win against Jordan in their final 2026 World Cup group stage match. The victory secured Argentina the top spot in Group J at Dallas Stadium.
Giovani Lo Celso initiated the scoring during the 19th minute, while Lautaro Martinez added a penalty kick in the 31st minute. Jordan found the net via Musa Al-Taamari in the 55th minute, but Messi finalized the score with a free-kick in the 80th minute.
Messi, who started as a substitute, entered the pitch in the 59th minute. Scaloni noted that the decision to bench the 39-year-old was a mutual agreement aimed at prioritizing the squad’s cohesion over individual milestones. Scaloni remarked that Messi consistently leaves him without words, highlighting the forward’s commitment to his teammates. This goal marked a historic milestone for Messi, as he became the first individual to record a goal in seven successive international appearances.
