Argentina completed a perfect Group J campaign with a 3-1 win over Jordan in Dallas on Sunday as Lionel Messi came off the bench to score and set another World Cup record. The Argentina captain became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches after curling home a free kick in the second half.
Lionel Scaloni rotated heavily after qualification had already been secured and made nine changes to the side that beat Austria. Argentina still controlled long periods and showed they could score without relying entirely on Messi.
Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a left-footed free kick from just outside the penalty area. Argentina moved the ball quickly through midfield and kept Jordan pinned inside their own half for much of the opening period.
Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 30th minute after Argentina won a spot-kick. The goal carried extra significance because it marked Argentina’s first tournament goals scored by players other than Messi.
Jordan offered little threat in the first half but found a route back into the game in the 55th minute when Musa Al-Taamari scored. The goal ended Argentina’s run without conceding in the competition and briefly gave Jordan encouragement.
Scaloni responded four minutes later by introducing Messi and Thiago Almada before Alexis Mac Allister also joined the game.
Messi needed little time to leave his mark. He stepped up in the 80th minute and drove a low free kick into the net for his sixth goal of the tournament.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner now has 19 World Cup goals across six editions since his debut in 2006 and sits at the front of the Golden Boot race.
Argentina finished top of Group J with nine points and will meet World Cup debutants Cape Verde in the round of 32.
