Messi steals the show again in Argentina’s latest triumph

Lionel Messi continued his remarkable FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on Saturday, coming off the bench to score once again as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 and completed a perfect group-stage record.

The reigning world champions finished top of Group J with nine points from three matches, extending their unbeaten run and underlining why they remain one of the strongest contenders to lift football’s biggest prize for a second consecutive time.

Although qualification had already been secured, Argentina showed no signs of easing off. Head coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his starting lineup, giving several squad players a chance to impress while resting key stars ahead of the knockout rounds.

Yet even with a heavily rotated team, Argentina controlled the match from start to finish in front of a packed crowd in Texas, where thousands of passionate supporters turned the stadium into a sea of blue and white.

The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute when Giovani Lo Celso curled a magnificent free-kick into the net. Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila was left rooted to the spot as the ball sailed beyond his reach, sending Argentine fans into celebration.

Argentina doubled their advantage before halftime after a VAR review awarded a penalty. Lautaro Martinez stepped up confidently and blasted the ball home, giving the holders complete control of the contest.

The crowd’s attention then shifted to one man.

As the second half began, chants for Lionel Messi echoed around the stadium. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner had started on the bench, but fans eagerly awaited his appearance. Moments before Messi entered the match, Jordan briefly threatened an upset when Mousa Al-Tamari pulled a goal back from close range.

Any hopes of a Jordan comeback, however, were quickly extinguished.

With 10 minutes remaining, Messi stepped up to take a free-kick just outside the penalty area. The Argentine captain calmly bent the ball into the net, adding another masterpiece to his growing collection and bringing the crowd to its feet.

The goal was Messi’s sixth of the tournament, making him the leading scorer heading into the knockout stage. Having already scored a hat-trick against Algeria and a brace against Austria, the legendary forward is once again proving decisive for his country.

Argentina will now turn their focus to a last-32 clash against tournament debutants Cape Verde in Miami. While the African underdogs have been one of the surprise stories of the competition, Messi and company appear determined to continue their march toward another historic World Cup triumph.