ARLINGTON, Texas — Argentina secured a decisive 3‑1 victory over Jordan with Lionel Messi netting his sixth goal of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Goals from Messi, Giovanni Los Celso and Lautaro Martínez highlighted the performance in front of 70,649 fans, and the defending champions advanced to the round of 32 where they will meet Cape Verde in Miami on July 3.
Argentina entered the match as group leaders and dominated most of the game, but Messi’s late free‑kick sealed the final group fixture.
The crowd at AT&T Stadium created an electric atmosphere, with fans displaying the kind of reverence that turned the game into a memorable spectacle for the national team and its star player.
The enthusiasm surrounding Messi now surpasses even the legendary status of Diego Maradona, drawing massive crowds who cherish every moment of his play despite his advancing age.
Messi currently leads the World Cup Golden Boot race with six goals, including a hat‑trick against Algeria that showcased his unmatched brilliance and cemented his status as the tournament’s premier scorer.
Alongside icons such as Gabriel Batistuta, Mario Kempes and Diego Maradona, Messi stands as the defining figure of his era, delivering for both veteran supporters and a new generation of fans.
Supporters have embraced the tournament with banners and memorabilia featuring Messi’s iconic moments, reinforcing his standing as a global football legend.
After the match, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said, “The goal of Leo is to be happy. The best part is yet to come.” Argentina, the 2022 champions, entered the knockout stage as favorites, highlighted by Messi’s specially blessed Adidas cleats—dubbed “El último tango”—which were consecrated at the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján in Argentina.
Argentina clinched knockout‑stage qualification with a 2‑0 win against Austria, where Messi recorded a brace, raising his tournament tally to five goals and establishing a new men’s World Cup scoring record.
Even though the Jordan fixture held no playoff significance, Argentina prepared with the knowledge that Cape Verde, the underdog, awaited them next. “Our plan is always to win every match,” Messi said after earning his second man‑of‑the‑match award against Austria. “We are Argentina; we thrive together on and off the field, and we love giving the fans joy. The fans are excited, but we take it step by step—this tournament is long and demanding, and we prepare for every match regardless of opponent.”
Cape Verde arrives with no pressure, aiming to capitalize on recent draws against Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia. The “Blue Sharks” have impressed neutrals with disciplined defending and bold play. Their goalkeeper, Voice, starred with seven saves in a 0‑0 draw against Spain and praised Messi. “He’s the greatest footballer of all time. Every team panics when they face him,” Vozinha said. “Playing against Messi is a dream; I’ll tell my kids I had that chance.”
Although the opposing goalkeeper is approaching 40, his dream of facing the world’s best remains intact. Messi, at 39, continues to excel in his sixth World Cup tournament, maintaining the reverence that has defined his career for decades. Fans anticipate every move from the Argentine star, eager to witness his signature plays. While the knockout stage can produce surprises, Argentina relies on Messi’s consistent brilliance, keeping their quest for another world title alive.
