Messi scores as Argentina go perfect in group stage after downing Jordan

With top spot in Group J already confirmed, Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his starting XI - including a spot on the bench for captain Lionel Messi - but the rotated defending champions flew into a 2-0 lead before the break.

After a dominant start the first goal arrived on 19 minutes as former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso stepped into Messi’s shoes to arrow home a 20-yard free-kick. Argentina were awarded a penalty around the half-hour mark following a VAR review of Ihsan Haddad’s dangerous challenge on Marcos Senesi.

Lautaro Martinez stepped up to dispatch his maiden WC goal from the penalty spot. With a two-goal cushion, La Albiceleste were in cruise control from there on, as Jordan failed to register a shot on target before HT.

Jordan boss Jamal Sellami opted for a double substitution at the break, and the change quickly paid off, as Haddad’s inviting low cross was stabbed home by the sliding Musa Al-Tamaari on 55 minutes.

Scaloni brought Messi into the action on the hour mark, with the Golden Boot leader given a rousing reception at the Dallas Stadium on his 29th WC appearance, and the key moment of the night belonged to their talisman.

As a hush descended with 10 minutes remaining, Messi fizzed a low free-kick past the stricken Yazeed Abulaila to wrap up victory for the three-time champions with his record-extending 19th WC goal. 

As group winners, Argentina now face WC debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 in Miami, as part of their sixth consecutive knockout phase qualification on the world stage. Jordan’s first WC appearance ends with three defeats from three games, but a goal scored in each match is a genuine positive for Sellami’s team as they prepare to head home.