World Cup 2026 Argentina Beat Jordan 3-1 for Perfect Group
ARGENTINA · WORLD CUP
Key Facts
—World Cup 2026 Argentina: The holders beat Jordan 3-1 to complete a perfect group stage.
—Scorers: Giovani Lo Celso, Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi found the net.
—Messi record: He became the first player to score in seven World Cup games in a row.
—Group J: Argentina won all three games to top the group.
—Next: Argentina face Cape Verde in the round of 32.
Three wins from three, another Messi goal and another record: the holders could hardly have asked for a smoother group stage.
World Cup 2026 Argentina finish the group with a flourish
Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 in Dallas to complete a perfect group stage. The holders won all three matches to top Group J.
Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez put Argentina in command before the break. Lionel Messi added a late third to cap the night.
Jordan, already eliminated, did pull one back through Mousa Al-Tamari. But the result was never in doubt.
Argentina had qualified before kick-off but showed no signs of complacency. They wanted the perfect record and duly claimed it.
Lo Celso and Lautaro set the tone
Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a fine finish. Lautaro Martinez then doubled the lead from the penalty spot.
The early goals took any tension out of the contest. Argentina settled quickly into a comfortable rhythm.
Argentina controlled the game with their usual composure. Jordan struggled to live with the champions’ movement and quality.
The two-goal cushion let Argentina manage the tempo at will. They rotated and rested key men where they could.
Al-Tamari’s strike briefly gave Jordan something to cheer. Argentina, though, quickly restored their authority.
For Jordan, a first World Cup ended without a point but not without pride. They competed in flashes against the champions.
Messi keeps making history
Messi sealed the win with his sixth goal of the tournament in the 80th minute. The strike extended his lead in the race for the Golden Boot.
It also made him the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup games. The 38-year-old continues to rewrite the tournament’s record books.
Earlier in the group he had become the all-time leading scorer in men’s World Cup history. The milestones are now arriving in clusters.
Each appearance feels like a chapter in a long goodbye. Argentina are determined to make it a memorable one.
The numbers behind the win
According to FIFA’s official match centre, Argentina ended the group with a maximum nine points. They are the only side to win all three group games in their section.
By The Rio Times’ reading, the holders look ominously settled. Messi’s haul of six goals has him out in front for the Golden Boot.
No other side in Group J managed more than a single win. Argentina’s perfect record underlines the gap in class.
That blend of star power and squad depth makes Argentina formidable. They have managed minutes carefully while still winning every game.
Lautaro’s penalty was a reminder of the firepower beyond Messi. Lo Celso’s goal showed the threat from midfield too.
What comes next
As Group J winners, Argentina advance to face Cape Verde in the round of 32. The World Cup debutants will be heavy underdogs.
Topping the group should also hand Argentina a smoother path. That seeding advantage can matter over a long tournament.
It is the kind of tie Argentina will expect to win comfortably. Anything less would count as a major shock.
Cape Verde, though, have already stunned bigger names than expected. Argentina will be wary of any complacency.
Why it matters
This is, by Messi’s own account, his final World Cup. Each goal adds to a legacy already without equal in the men’s game.
Argentinian fans are savouring every moment of the farewell. The hope is that it ends with another deep run.
For Argentina, the bigger picture is a title defence gathering pace. A perfect group stage is the ideal launchpad.
Coach Lionel Scaloni now has selection decisions and fresh legs. Both could prove valuable as the knockout rounds intensify.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the score in World Cup 2026 Argentina vs Jordan?
Argentina won 3-1 in Dallas. Lo Celso, Lautaro Martinez and Lionel Messi scored.
What record did Messi set?
He became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup games. It added to the all-time scoring record he already holds.
Did Argentina win Group J?
Yes. Argentina won all three group games to finish top of Group J on nine points.
Who do Argentina play next?
Argentina face World Cup debutants Cape Verde in the round of 32. They will start as strong favourites.
How many goals does Messi have at the tournament?
Messi has six goals so far, leading the Golden Boot race. He scored in every group game.
This article was produced by The Rio Times’ automated newsroom system. How we use AI · Report an error
Read More from The Rio Times