What is the story about?
The
reigning world champions look ready for the knockout rounds as Argentina finished their World Cup 2026 group stage campaign with a comfortable 3-1 win against newcomers Jordan in Dallas on Saturday’s Group J finale. With top spot in the group already sealed the Albiceleste had a reserve team on the pitch but still dominated the contest, and Lionel Messi came off the bench to score another goal and continue his amazing run in the tournament.
Reactions & Observations
- Lionel Scaloni used the dead rubber feel of the group finale to play his reserves and make a few personnel and tactical experiments, and Argentina were in control throughout the game. The early goals by Giovani Lo Celso (a great free-kick) and Lautaro Martínez helped seal the win without much drama, and another great free-kick by Messi made it a comfortable scoreline.
- Messi has six goals in three games, and his low free-kick around the wall was just nasty. This is his World Cup so far, and he looks completely pressure-free and ready for the knockouts.
- Jordan made themselves proud with a solid performance, and goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila let them down by literally hiding behind the wall and conceding two free-kicks in horrendous fashion.
- Speaking of horrendous… Julián Álvarez. Yikes. Just a big old YIKES. I am personally a big fan and I’m in favor of his arrival at Camp Nou (at the right price), but his World Cup so far is the stuff of nightmares. I understand he’s still not 100% and gaining rhythm, but still. YIKES.
- Argentina will now face the tournament’s best story in Cape Verde on Friday’s highly-anticipated Round of 32 clash, and the Albiceleste cannot take it for granted but will be favorites to advance and continue their title defense.
