Defending champions Argentina showcased their remarkable squad depth with a convincing 3-1 victory over Jordan in their final Group J match of the FIFA World Cup on Saturday, as coach Lionel Scaloni rotated heavily with qualification already secured.
Having won their opening two matches, Argentina entered the contest under no pressure and left talisman Lionel Messi on the bench for the first hour. But even without their captain, the South American giants looked completely in control from the opening stages.
Midfielder Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a superbly struck free-kick, giving Argentina an early advantage after an earlier effort had been ruled out for offside. The pressure continued to mount and Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead shortly after the half-hour mark, calmly converting from the penalty spot after a VAR review awarded Argentina a spot-kick.
Jordan briefly threatened a response after the break when Mousa Al-Tamari pulled one back in the 63rd minute, becoming the first player to score against Argentina in this year’s tournament and giving the World Cup debutants a memorable moment despite their elimination.
Moments later, Scaloni introduced Messi, and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner wasted little time making his mark once again.
In the 80th minute, Messi curled a trademark free-kick into the bottom corner to restore Argentina’s two-goal cushion and complete another dominant display from the defending champions.
The goal carried historic significance, making Messi the first player ever to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches while also taking his tournament tally to six goals.
Argentina finished the group stage with a perfect nine points from three matches and head into the knockout rounds looking increasingly dangerous, with Saturday’s performance proving they possess quality well beyond their star-studded starting eleven.
For Jordan, the tournament ended with three defeats, though they leave with the distinction of becoming the first team to breach Argentina’s defense in the competition.