FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi Scores Stunning Free-Kick as Argentina Beat Jordan 3-1 to Finish Top of Group
Lionel Messi once again proved why he remains football's biggest game-changer, scoring a spectacular free-kick after coming off the bench as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 on Sunday. The victory ensured the defending champions finished at the top of Group J with a flawless record and secured their place in the FIFA World Cup Round of 32.
Argentina Dominate First Half
Argentina controlled possession from the opening whistle and deservedly broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso curled a superb free-kick into the top corner after Jordan conceded a foul just outside the penalty area.
Argentina controlled possession from the opening whistle and deservedly broke the deadlock in the 19th minute. Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso curled a superb free-kick into the top corner after Jordan conceded a foul just outside the penalty area.
The South American side doubled their advantage before halftime when Julian Alvarez was brought down inside the box. Lautaro Martinez confidently converted the penalty to hand Argentina a comfortable 2-0 lead heading into the interval.
Jordan Fight Back After the Break
Jordan Fight Back After the Break
Jordan emerged with renewed energy in the second half and reduced the deficit in the 55th minute.
A well-worked move involving Mahmoud Al Mardi and Yazan Haddad set up captain Mousa Al-Tamari, who calmly slotted the ball home to give his side hope of an unlikely comeback.
A well-worked move involving Mahmoud Al Mardi and Yazan Haddad set up captain Mousa Al-Tamari, who calmly slotted the ball home to give his side hope of an unlikely comeback.
The goal briefly shifted the momentum as Jordan began putting pressure on Argentina's defence.
Messi Delivers Another Moment of Magic
Sensing the need for greater control, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni introduced Messi just after the hour mark.
Messi Delivers Another Moment of Magic
Sensing the need for greater control, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni introduced Messi just after the hour mark.
The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner immediately made his presence felt, testing the goalkeeper with one free-kick before producing his trademark masterpiece in the 80th minute.
After winning a foul around 25 yards from goal, Messi curled a perfectly placed low free-kick around the defensive wall and into the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila with no chance.
After winning a foul around 25 yards from goal, Messi curled a perfectly placed low free-kick around the defensive wall and into the bottom corner, leaving goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila with no chance.
The strike marked Messi's sixth goal of the tournament and extended his remarkable scoring streak across seven consecutive FIFA World Cup appearances.
Argentina March Into Knockout Stage
Jordan continued to battle until the final whistle but failed to create another clear-cut opportunity. Their evening became more difficult late in the game when defender Hamza Abu Dahab was stretchered off after suffering an injury while trying to halt an Argentine attack.
Argentina March Into Knockout Stage
Jordan continued to battle until the final whistle but failed to create another clear-cut opportunity. Their evening became more difficult late in the game when defender Hamza Abu Dahab was stretchered off after suffering an injury while trying to halt an Argentine attack.
With the victory, Argentina completed the group stage with three wins from three matches, collecting the maximum nine points to advance to the Round of 32 with confidence.
They will now face Cape Verde in Miami on July 3 as they continue their quest for another World Cup title.
They will now face Cape Verde in Miami on July 3 as they continue their quest for another World Cup title.
