Messi Nets 6th World Cup Goal As Argentina Cruise Into Last 32 With Perfect Record

Lionel Messi continued his remarkable World Cup campaign by scoring his sixth goal of the tournament as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 on Saturday to complete the group stage with a flawless record and head into the knockout rounds brimming with confidence.

The 39-year-old captain, who began the match on the bench after Argentina had already secured qualification, came on just after the hour mark to a thunderous reception from the crowd in Texas. He capped another impressive display by curling home a trademark free-kick to seal victory and extend his lead at the top of the tournament’s scoring charts.

Messi’s latest strike means he has now scored all six of his goals in Argentina’s three Group J matches, underlining his enduring brilliance as the reigning champions prepare for a last-32 showdown with World Cup debutants Cape Verde in Miami on 3 July.

Argentina finished top of Group J with a maximum nine points after earlier victories over Algeria (3-0) and Austria (2-0), reaffirming their status as one of the favourites to retain the title.

With progression already assured, head coach Lionel Scaloni rotated his squad heavily, making nine changes from the side that defeated Austria. Only goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez and striker Lautaro Martínez retained their places in the starting line-up.

Despite the changes, Argentina dominated proceedings from the opening whistle before a passionate crowd largely made up of their supporters.

Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a superbly struck free-kick. Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila was left stranded after moving the wrong way, allowing the ball to fly into the net untouched.

Argentina doubled their advantage shortly afterwards when Lautaro Martínez converted confidently from the penalty spot. The spot-kick was awarded following a VAR review after defender Marcos Senesi appeared to be kicked in the face while attempting a diving header inside the penalty area.

Messi, watching from the touchline with a smile, was introduced midway through the second half to deafening chants from the Argentina faithful.

However, moments before his arrival, Jordan briefly threatened a comeback as Mousa Al-Tamari stabbed home from close range to reduce the deficit and silence much of the stadium.

Any hopes of a Jordan revival were short-lived.

Messi soon reminded everyone why he remains football’s biggest attraction, bending a sublime free-kick beyond the goalkeeper to restore Argentina’s two-goal cushion and complete a comfortable 3-1 victory.

Jordan’s World Cup campaign had already come to an end before kick-off following defeats to Algeria and Austria, making the result inconsequential for their tournament ambitions.

For Argentina, however, the victory carried added significance. Scaloni’s men joined France and co-hosts Mexico in finishing the group stage with a perfect nine-point haul, while also sending another warning to their rivals ahead of the knockout phase.

Cape Verde, ranked 67th in the world and appearing at their first World Cup, will now face the daunting challenge of stopping Messi and the defending champions.

Argentina are also chasing a place in football history as they seek to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.