Lionel Messi came off the bench to score yet again as Argentina made it three wins from three at the World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Jordan.
Messi made it six goals in three games at this tournament, extending his own all-time World Cup record to 19 goals, with a low free-kick 10 minutes from time that ensured Argentina topped Group J with a perfect record.
Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez had put the World Cup holders in control with first-half strikes, but Mousa Al Tamari pulled one back for Jordan, who at least exited the competition having scored in all three games of their debut World Cup.
With Argentina already confirmed as group winners Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his side, dropping Messi to the bench as only Emi Martinez and Lautaro Martinez kept their places.
But unsurprisingly there was no let up from the World Cup holders.
Just a few minutes in, Lo Celso slid the ball in but was denied by the offside flag.
Nicolas Otamendi then headed over from Lo Celso’s corner before the opening goal came in the 19th minute.
Lo Celso was brought down on the edge of the box by Mohannad Abutaha but got up to curl in a fine free-kick, the first Argentina player other than Messi to score at this World Cup.
Martinez then saw his shot come back off the crossbar and as Marco Senesi went for the rebound he was fouled by Nizar Alrashdan. A penalty was awarded by a VAR check and Martinez duly converted.
Argentina had the ball in the net again three minutes into the second half as Lo Celso poked in from Martinez’s cut-back, but the Inter Milan forward was offside as he ran on to Leandro Paredes’ through-ball.
Jordan then pulled one back, with a delicious low cross from Ehsan Haddad gobbled up by half-time substitute Al-Tamari.
That was the cue for Messi to come off the bench as part of a triple change, and the Inter Miami man had an early chance with a free-kick from range, but he was unable to keep his shot down.
It was a valuable sighter though, and a few moments later Messi himself was fouled on the edge of the box to create another opportunity and this time he took it, slotting a low shot through a gap in the Jordan defence.
The goal means Messi has now scored in a record seven consecutive World Cup matches, and also puts him two clear of the rest of the field in the running for the Golden Boot, one of the few trophies he is yet to win.
PA
