Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 in their final Group J match at Dallas Stadium, securing the top seed and eliminating the tournament debutants. Lionel Messi came off the bench in the second half to seal the victory with a 79th-minute strike.
Manager Lionel Scaloni opted for heavy rotation, making nine changes to the starting lineup that previously defeated Austria. The fresh legs paid off early when Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a curled free-kick on his World Cup debut. Lautaro MartÃnez then doubled the advantage in the 31st minute, converting a penalty following a VAR review for his first tournament goal since the 2022 opening game in Qatar.
Jordan refused to fold completely and cut the deficit in the 55th minute through second-half substitute Mousa Al-Taamari. The historic strike meant Jordan proudly scored a goal in all three matches of their maiden tournament appearance. However, Messi replaced a resting starter four minutes later and ultimately ended any hopes of a comeback.
The defending champions finish atop Group J with a perfect nine points and now advance to the Round of 32, where they will face Cape Verde at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami. Austria also advanced from the group in second place, edging out Algeria on goal difference after the two sides tied in points.