Messi's History-Making Free-Kick Caps Argentina's Perfect Group Stage In Win Over Jordan

Published 28 June 2026 · sports

Messi's History-Making Free-Kick Caps Argentina's Perfect Group Stage In Win Over Jordan Published By, Last Updated: June 28, 2026, 10:09 IST Lionel Messi came off

Messi's History-Making Free-Kick Caps Argentina's Perfect Group Stage In Win Over Jordan Published By, Last Updated: June 28, 2026, 10:09 IST Lionel Messi came off the bench to score a trademark free-kick as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1, completing a perfect Group J campaign while the World Cup debutants exited with pride. Rapid Read Leo Messi for Argentina (AP) Thirty minutes. That’s all it took for Leo Messi to remind everyone why he’s the greatest to ever do it. Rested for the first hour with Argentina already assured of top spot in Group J, the 39-year-old stepped off the bench before curling home a trademark free-kick as the Albicelestes defeated a spirited Jordan 3-1 on Saturday to finish the FIFA World Cup group stage with a perfect nine points. Jordan, making their World Cup debut, bowed out without a point but earned deserved applause after refusing to roll over against the defending champions.

Argentina In Complete Control With Lionel Scaloni rotating his squad ahead of the knockout rounds, Argentina still looked comfortably superior from the opening whistle. Giovani Lo Celso thought he had opened the scoring inside seven minutes after finishing off a flowing move, but the offside flag cut celebrations short. The breakthrough finally arrived in the 19th minute, and it was worth the wait. Lo Celso bent a stunning free-kick beyond the Jordan goalkeeper in a finish that even prompted an approving nod from Messi watching on from the bench. Argentina doubled their lead just after the half-hour mark. Julián Álvarez was caught in the face while challenging for a loose ball inside the box, and after a VAR review, the referee pointed to the spot. Lautaro Martínez made no mistake, calmly sending the goalkeeper the wrong way to make it 2-0. Jordan barely threatened before the break as Argentina dictated possession with ease.

Jordan Fight Back… Before Messi Ends It Jordan finally found a foothold after halftime. Their persistence was rewarded in the 55th minute when Ehsan played Al Tamari through, and the forward finished from close range to pull one back and briefly inject life into the contest. That prompted Scaloni to call upon his captain. Messi entered in the 60th minute to a thunderous ovation and almost marked his arrival with a curling free-kick that sailed narrowly over the bar. He would not miss twice. Ten minutes from time, Argentina won another free-kick just outside the area. This time, Messi drilled a low effort around the wall and into the corner with trademark precision to restore the two-goal cushion and extinguish Jordan’s hopes. Jordan continued to battle until the final whistle, but Argentina comfortably saw out the closing stages to complete a flawless group campaign. The reigning champions now march into the Round of 32 — where they will face Cape Verde — with three wins from three, while Jordan leave their maiden World Cup with pride despite an early exit.