Messi strikes again as Argentina march into knockout stage with perfect record

Lionel Messi continues to defy expectations.

The Argentina captain added another goal to his remarkable World Cup campaign on Saturday, scoring his sixth of the tournament as the defending champions defeated Jordan 3-1 and completed a flawless Group J run.

Already assured of qualification before kickoff, Argentina used the match as preparation for their last-32 encounter with World Cup debutants Cape Verde. Despite rotating heavily, the champions showed their depth and quality, collecting maximum points from three matches.

Messi began the night on the substitutes’ bench but entered after the hour mark to a huge ovation inside the stadium and quickly left his mark with another trademark finish.

At 39 years old, the Argentine icon remains the tournament’s leading scorer and continues to be the central figure in his country’s pursuit of another title.

Argentina’s strength in depth shows before knockout battle

With first place already secured, head coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to the lineup that defeated Austria.

Only goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and striker Lautaro Martinez kept their places, as Argentina looked to test their squad options before facing Cape Verde on July 3 in Miami.

Jordan, meanwhile, entered the match already eliminated after losses to Algeria and Austria. The result would not change their tournament fate, but Argentina had bigger ambitions.

The champions wanted to join France and co-hosts Mexico as teams finishing the group stage with perfect nine-point records. More importantly, they wanted to send a message as they attempt to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive World Cups.

Lo Celso and Martinez put holders in command

Argentina supporters transformed the home of the Dallas Cowboys into a sea of blue and white, and their team immediately rewarded them.

The opening goal arrived in the 19th minute when Giovani Lo Celso curled a free kick into the net after Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila appeared to move the wrong way.

From the sideline, Messi watched with a wide smile as his teammates controlled proceedings.

Argentina doubled their advantage before halftime.

After a VAR review, the champions were awarded a penalty when Marcos Senesi appeared to be struck in the face while attempting a diving header.

Lautaro Martinez stepped up and fired the spot kick home, giving Argentina a comfortable lead.

Jordan briefly interrupt Argentina’s momentum

The second half began with supporters inside the stadium calling for Messi.

The anticipation grew as the legendary forward prepared to enter.

But before the captain could make his appearance, Jordan produced a moment of surprise.

Ten minutes after halftime, Mousa Al-Tamari reacted quickly inside the box and pulled one back, briefly giving Jordan hope and stunning sections of the crowd.

The goal changed little, however, as Argentina remained in control.

Messi enters and delivers once more

The match eventually settled into a slower rhythm, resembling a final tune-up rather than a decisive World Cup battle.

Then came the moment everyone expected.

Messi stepped onto the field after an hour, and the stadium erupted.

With 10 minutes remaining, Argentina earned another free kick, and their captain stepped forward.

The finish was not his most spectacular, but it carried the same significance. Messi curled the ball into the net, adding another goal to his tournament tally.

The strike followed his hat trick against Algeria and two-goal performance against Austria, ensuring every Argentina goal in the group stage had his name attached.

Cape Verde awaits as Argentina Cchase more history

Argentina now enter the knockout phase with a perfect record, confidence soaring and their greatest player still delivering on the biggest stage.

Cape Verde, ranked 67th in the world and appearing at their first World Cup, will face a daunting challenge when they meet the champions.

Argentina may have come through one of the tournament’s less demanding groups, but their combination of experience, depth, and Messi’s continued brilliance has made one thing clear:

The reigning champions remain a serious threat to everyone chasing the trophy.