Argentina concluded the group phase with maximum points on Saturday evening in Arlington, Texas, courtesy of a 3-1 victory over Jordan that was decorated by another landmark free‑kick from Lionel Messi. The 39‑year‑old, who began the match on the bench, struck with ten minutes remaining to become the first player in the tournament’s history to score in seven successive World Cup fixtures, extending his all‑time record to 19 goals. His intervention settled any lingering nerves after a spirited Jordan side had threatened to spoil the narrative.

The match had been seized decisively by an Argentina team showing nine changes from the previous win over Austria. Giovani Lo Celso, making his full World Cup debut, curled in a left‑footed free‑kick from the edge of the area in the 19th minute — the first goal of the tournament scored by an Argentinian not named Messi. Lautaro Martínez doubled the lead from the penalty spot just after the half‑hour mark, converting with aplomb after a VAR review confirmed a high boot to the face of Marcos Senesi. For Martínez, the goal ended a personal World Cup drought and underscored the depth at Lionel Scaloni’s disposal.

Jordan, already eliminated, refused to fold. They reduced the deficit ten minutes after the restart when substitute Mousa Al‑Tamari slid in to convert a precise low cross from Ehsan Haddad. It was the first goal Argentina had conceded in the tournament, and it prompted Scaloni to summon Messi, Thiago Almada and Alexis Mac Allister from the bench. Within twenty minutes, Messi was fouled just outside the box and stepped up to deliver a free‑kick that slipped past a poorly positioned wall and gave the goalkeeper no chance. The goal confirmed Argentina’s third victory in as many group games and their tally of eight goals against a single concession.

In the group’s other fixture, Austria and Algeria played out a 3‑3 draw that sent both through — Austria as runners‑up on goal difference and Algeria as one of the best third‑placed teams. Jordan exit their debut World Cup without a point but with the consolation of having scored in every match. Argentina now turn their attention to the round of 32, where they will face surprise package Cape Verde on Friday in Miami. The champions will welcome back their rested regulars, and Messi’s record‑extending cameo has once more underlined the sense that, even when not fully deployed, he can still alter the geometry of a contest.