Messi Scores as Argentina Rout Jordan in Final Group Game

Argentina concluded their World Cup group stage campaign with a convincing 3-1 victory over Jordan in Dallas. With their progression to the knockout stages already secured, manager Lionel Scaloni opted to rotate his squad, fielding a largely changed line-up. Lionel Messi made a second-half appearance and marked his presence with a signature free-kick goal, while Giovanni Lo Celso was a standout performer, opening the scoring and consistently threatening the Jordanian defence.

Key facts

Argentina’s Attacking Prowess on Display

The Albiceleste showcased their depth and attacking talent throughout the match. Giovanni Lo Celso was arguably the man of the match, not only scoring the opening goal but also having two further efforts disallowed for offside. His ability to find space between the lines and his consistent threat made him a constant problem for the Jordanian defence. Lautaro Martínez, the captain for the evening, also had a significant impact. He struck the post, converted a penalty for Argentina’s second goal, and was instrumental in creating other scoring opportunities.

The arrival of Lionel Messi in the second half predictably added another dimension to Argentina’s attack. The veteran forward wasted no time in extending his World Cup goal-scoring record, netting a well-placed free-kick that Jordan’s goalkeeper, Abu Laila, could not keep out. This goal further cemented Messi’s status as a key player for the team heading into the crucial knockout rounds.

Defensive Solidarity and Rotation

While the focus was on the attacking flair, Argentina’s defence also held firm for the most part. Giuliano Simeone, deployed at right-back, offered significant attacking impetus, supported by Nicolás Otamendi and Marcos Senesi in central defence. Senesi, in particular, had a creditable outing, winning aerial duels and earning the penalty that helped seal the win. Tagliafico provided a functional presence on the left flank. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez had a relatively quiet evening, only called into action significantly after Jordan found the net, but he was not at fault for the goal he conceded.

Jordan’s Moments of Brightness

Despite the overall dominance of Argentina, Jordan offered glimpses of their capabilities. Ehsan Haddad was a bright spark in midfield, delivering the assist for Jordan’s consolation goal, scored by Musa Al-Tamari. Al-Tamari, a second-half substitute, made an immediate impression with a clinical finish, providing a moment of pride for the Jordanian side. However, the Jordanian defence struggled throughout the match, with Abu Laila making errors that contributed to Argentina’s goals.

Looking Ahead to the Knockout Stages

The victory provides Argentina with a significant confidence boost as they prepare for the more demanding challenges of the World Cup knockout stages. The performance of players like Lo Celso and the continued impact of Messi, even from the bench, highlight the team’s formidable strength in depth. Scaloni will have valuable insights from this match as he finalizes his strategy for the upcoming elimination rounds.

Source: Sports Mole Football RSS – https://www.sportsmole.co.uk/football/argentina/world-cup-2026/player-ratings/argentina-3-1-jordan-player-ratings-messi-lo-celso-shine_600258.html