Messi Scores As Argentina Finish Group Stage Perfectly

WASHINGTON: (Web Desk) – Argentina concluded the FIFA World Cup group stage with a perfect record after defeating Jordan 3-1 on Saturday, while Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his sixth goal of the tournament ahead of the knockout rounds.

Already assured of qualification, Argentina maintained its winning momentum with victories in all three Group J matches, finishing top of the standings after earlier wins over Algeria and Austria.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni rotated his squad heavily, making nine changes to the starting lineup while retaining only goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and striker Lautaro Martinez from the previous match against Austria.

Argentina took control in the first half when Giovani Lo Celso curled a superb free-kick into the net before Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead from the penalty spot following a VAR review.

Jordan, already eliminated from the tournament after defeats in its opening two matches, reduced the deficit shortly after halftime through Mousa Al-Tamari, briefly raising hopes of a comeback.

With the crowd chanting for their captain, Lionel Messi entered the match just after the hour mark to a thunderous reception. The veteran forward later sealed Argentina’s victory by scoring from a free-kick, taking his tournament tally to six goals and moving to the top of the World Cup scoring charts.

Messi Hat-Trick Powers Argentina to Winning Start

Messi has now scored in all three group-stage matches, following his hat-trick against Algeria and a brace versus Austria, underlining his outstanding form as Argentina prepares to defend its world title.

Speaking after the match, Giovani Lo Celso praised Argentina’s performances throughout the group stage while emphasizing that the knockout rounds present a much tougher challenge.

Argentina will now face tournament debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on July 3 in Miami. Ranked 67th in the world, Cape Verde has emerged as one of the tournament’s surprise packages and will look to produce another upset against the reigning champions.

Argentina will enter the knockout stage as one of the tournament favorites, aiming to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title.