Argentina Beat Jordan 3-1 as Messi Scores Again
Picture: Reuters
Lionel Messi scored off the bench to set another World Cup record as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 on Sunday, completing the group stage with three wins from three and finishing atop Group J.
Rested for much of the match after Argentina had already secured first place, Messi entered in the second half and scored from a low free kick in the 80th minute. The goal was his sixth in three matches at this year's tournament and extended his all-time World Cup scoring record to 19 goals.
Giovani Lo Celso gave Argentina the lead in the 19th minute with a curling free kick after being fouled just outside the penalty area. Lautaro Martinez doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after a VAR review confirmed a foul on Marco Senesi.
Argentina appeared to add a third goal early in the second half through Lo Celso, but the effort was ruled out for offside.
Jordan cut the deficit midway through the second half when substitute Mousa Al Tamari finished a low cross from Ehsan Haddad. The goal ensured Jordan scored in all three matches of its first-ever World Cup appearance despite being eliminated.
Messi was introduced shortly afterward and initially sent a free kick over the crossbar. Minutes later, he earned another opportunity after being fouled outside the box and made no mistake, firing a low shot through the defensive wall to seal Argentina's victory.
With Argentina's place atop the group already secured, head coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his starting lineup. Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and striker Lautaro Martinez were the only players to retain their places.
Messi's latest strike also marked a record seventh consecutive World Cup match with a goal. The Inter Miami star now leads the tournament's Golden Boot race by two goals as he continues his pursuit of the only major individual honor missing from his collection.
