Argentina completed a flawless Group J campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Jordan at AT&T Stadium in Dallas, as Lionel Messi came off the bench to seal another convincing win for the reigning world champions.
Already assured of a place in the Round of 32 before kick-off, Lionel Scaloni rotated his squad but still watched his side extend their perfect record to three wins from three matches. Jordan, meanwhile, exited the tournament despite producing another spirited display in their maiden World Cup appearance.
Argentina took control midway through the opening half through a moment of quality from Giovani Lo Celso. The midfielder curled a superb free-kick beyond goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila in the 19th minute to hand the South Americans a deserved lead after dominating possession.
The advantage was doubled 12 minutes later when Julián Álvarez was brought down inside the penalty area. Lautaro Martínez stepped forward and calmly converted from the spot, giving Argentina a comfortable 2-0 cushion before the interval.
Jordan, however, refused to fade away.
Coach Sami Sellami’s tactical adjustments transformed the Asian side after the restart, and they found a route back into the contest in the 55th minute. Mahmoud Al Mardi combined neatly with teammate Yazan Al Naimat before releasing Mousa Al-Tamari, who finished confidently to reduce the deficit and briefly raise hopes of an unlikely comeback.
The goal unsettled Argentina, who were forced to withstand increased pressure as Jordan searched for an equaliser. With momentum beginning to shift, Scaloni turned to the player the Dallas crowd had been waiting to see.
Lionel Messi entered the match from the bench and quickly reminded the world why he remains football’s greatest difference-maker.
Ten minutes from full-time, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner stepped over a free-kick just outside the penalty area and bent an inch-perfect effort into the bottom corner, leaving Abulaila rooted to the spot and extinguishing Jordan’s hopes.
The goal wrapped up Argentina’s third consecutive victory of the tournament and ensured they finished top of Group J with a perfect nine-point haul, reinforcing their credentials as one of the favourites to retain the World Cup crown.
For Jordan, elimination does little to diminish what has been a landmark tournament. Making their first-ever appearance at the FIFA World Cup, the Middle Eastern nation showed resilience and attacking quality throughout the group stage, earning admiration despite falling short of a place in the knockout rounds.
Argentina will now turn their attention to a Round of 32 meeting with Cape Verde in Miami on July 3, while Jordan return home having taken another significant step in the growth of football within the country.
