Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 on Saturday, with Lionel Messi’s 80th-minute goal putting the result beyond doubt after Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez had built an early cushion in Arlington.
At AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Argentina once again looked like a side fully in command of its group-stage rhythm. Lionel Scaloni’s team controlled possession for long stretches, finished with 73.3 percent of the ball, and translated that territorial dominance into a 2-0 halftime lead that gave Jordan a steep climb.
The breakthrough arrived in the 19th minute, when Giovani Lo Celso bent home a free-kick to give Argentina the lead. It was a moment of quality that matched the overall pattern of the opening half, with Jordan often pinned back and forced to defend deep around its own penalty area.
Argentina doubled the advantage on 31 minutes through Lautaro Martinez, who converted from the penalty spot to make it 2-0. With Lo Celso finding pockets between the lines and Argentina circulating the ball patiently, Jordan struggled to get enough sustained possession to disrupt the flow of the match.
To Jordan’s credit, the underdogs responded after the interval. Mousa Al-Tamari pulled one back in the 55th minute, giving his side a route back into the fixture and briefly shifting the momentum. For a spell, Jordan carried more threat than it had managed before halftime, and Argentina had to stay alert rather than simply seeing out the contest.
That made the next goal pivotal, and it arrived from the player who continues to shape the tournament’s biggest moments. Messi, introduced from the bench, struck in the 80th minute to restore Argentina’s two-goal margin and secure all three points. It was another timely contribution from the captain, whose influence remains central even when he is not on the pitch from the opening whistle.
Tactically, the numbers told a clear story. Argentina attempted 12 shots to Jordan’s five, put four efforts on target, and won six corners while limiting Jordan to two. Jordan’s single shot on target still produced a goal through Al-Tamari, a reminder of their efficiency even in a match where they spent much of the night without the ball.
Key performers
Lo Celso set the tone with his 19th-minute free-kick and gave Argentina the control they wanted early. Lautaro Martinez was composed from the spot at 31′, while Messi’s 80th-minute finish settled any nerves and added another headline moment to Argentina’s tournament. For Jordan, Al-Tamari’s 55th-minute goal was the standout moment and a deserved reward for a much brighter second-half spell.
NerdSports Stat: Argentina had 73.3% possession and won 3-1 despite recording only four shots on target, meaning 75% of their efforts on frame ended in goals.
The result keeps Argentina moving with authority in Group J, now boasting three straight wins, while Jordan are left searching for points after another difficult outing. For Argentina, the bigger picture is just as encouraging as the performance: control, squad depth, and another Messi contribution at exactly the right time. Jordan, meanwhile, can take some belief from their second-half response as they look to regroup for their next fixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Giovani Lo Celso (19′), Lautaro Martinez (31′ pen), Mousa Al-Tamari (55′), and Lionel Messi (80′).
Jordan 1 – 3 Argentina.
Argentina strengthened their position at the top end of Group J with a third straight win, while Jordan remained without points and facing pressure in the group.
Lionel Messi was the standout performer with his 80th-minute goal that secured the victory and settled the contest.
