In a historic match for Messi, Argentina defeated Jordan 3–1, securing their spot in the knockout stage while remaining unbeaten. Today in Dallas, Messi, Lautaro, and Lo Celso each scored a goal. This marked Messi’s sixth goal of the World Cup. With this strike, the Albiceleste captain achieved the magnificent feat of scoring in seven consecutive World Cup matches! Argentina is set to play their Round of 32 match against Cape Verde on July 4th.
Jordan narrowed the deficit early in the second half. Shortly after, Lionel Scaloni made a double substitution. Upon entering the fray, Messi became determined to score. Another free-kick, and another goal for Lionel Messi! Argentina extended their lead to 3–1. Messi set the record for scoring in seven consecutive World Cup matches. Mac Allister, Senesi, and Otamendi positioned themselves to create an angle against Jordan’s defensive wall. Seizing the opportunity, Messi fired a low shot that bypassed Jordan’s two-layered wall and found the back of the net. Goalkeeper Yazid Abu Layla could only stand and watch. This was Messi’s sixth goal of the 2026 World Cup, and with it, the Albiceleste captain achieved the historic milestone of scoring in seven consecutive World Cup matches!
Argentina went into the break with a two-goal lead. The world champions took the lead against Jordan in the 19th minute in Dallas; Giovani Lo Celso scored from a magnificent free-kick. Argentina extended their lead in the 32nd minute.
Initially, the Jordanian goalkeeper saved a shot from Lautaro Martínez that came off a low cross from Nicolás Tagliafico. Marcos Senesi then headed the rebound, but a defender struck him with his boot while attempting to clear the ball. Meanwhile, Jordanian goalkeeper Yazid Abu Layla managed to get a hand to Senesi’s excellent header, tipping it over the crossbar. Later, Lautaro Martínez extended the lead from a penalty.
Jordan narrowed the deficit with a goal from Al-Tamari. The substitute found the net in the 55th minute of the match. With this, Jordan has scored in all three of their World Cup matches. Shortly thereafter, Lionel Messi came onto the pitch, replacing Lautaro.
Having won their first two matches, world champions Argentina had already secured a spot in the knockout stage as group winners. Consequently, coach Lionel Scaloni rested almost all the regular starters for this final group match against Jordan; the World Cup-winning coach fielded a lineup with nine changes.
Scaloni retained only two players from the starting XI that faced Austria—Emiliano Martínez and Lautaro Martínez—for this match.
Today’s match will reveal how Argentina fares without captain Lionel Messi, the hero of their last two victories who has scored five goals.
The match is scheduled to kick off at 8:00 AM (Bangladesh time) at the Dallas Stadium in the United States.
Argentina Starting XI
Emiliano Martínez, Otamendi, Senesi, Tagliafico, Simeone, Palacios, Paredes, Lo Celso, Nico Paz, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez.
