Lionel Messi came off the bench to score as Argentina completed a perfect Group J campaign with a 3-1 victory over Jordan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Argentina captain netted his sixth goal in three matches with a low free-kick 10 minutes from time, extending his all-time World Cup scoring record to 19 goals and sealing another win for the defending champions.
Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez had given Argentina a comfortable lead in the first half before Jordan reduced the deficit through Mousa Al Tamari. Despite the defeat, Jordan ended their debut World Cup campaign having scored in all three group matches.
With Argentina already assured of top spot before kick-off, coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his starting lineup, leaving Messi on the bench while Emiliano Martinez and Lautaro Martinez were the only players to retain their places.
In the other Group J fixture, Austria and Algeria played out a thrilling 3-3 draw, with both nations progressing to the Round of 32.
Austria opened the scoring in the 27th minute through Marko Arnautovic, who latched onto a long pass before volleying home.
Algeria equalised when Rafik Belghali controlled a loose ball, beat two defenders with a clever feint and fired past goalkeeper Alexander Schlager.
Austria regained the lead early in the second half thanks to a powerful strike from Marcel Sabitzer, but their advantage lasted only a few minutes as Riyad Mahrez finished off a cutback from Houssem Aouar to make it 2-2.
Mahrez struck again deep into stoppage time to put Algeria 3-2 ahead, leaving Austria on the brink of elimination.
However, Wolves striker Sasa Kalajdzic emerged as the hero, heading home a late cross in the closing seconds to rescue a 3-3 draw.
The dramatic equaliser secured Austria’s place in the knockout stage alongside Algeria, while Iran was eliminated from the tournament.
