With just thirty minutes on the pitch, Lionel Messi can produce moments that linger in memory. For much of the match, the crowd beneath the expansive roof was gripped by their own version of Messidependencia, as the game’s low stakes were evident in its tempo and atmosphere. Everything preceding his entrance seemed like a deliberate overture, anticipating the inevitable climax. There was little else to concern oneself with—why not prepare to witness another slice of history?
One can practically time Messi’s impact, even if it rarely occurs as early as the 60th minute. Having already secured top spot in Group J, Messi and coach Lionel Scaloni agreed he would enter the game later, preserving energy for what lay ahead. There was no sense in risking anything in a meaningless rubber. When he finally stepped onto the field, the moment felt ceremonial—a chance to honor a living legend. Messi obliged, igniting the Texas night with another burst of brilliance that left fans exhilarated.
Earlier, Messi had lofted a free‑kick over the bar, the range proving awkward. Moments later, he was fouled 22 yards out, a spot almost directly central and ripe for exploitation. Though the resulting attempt seemed straightforward, Messi curled the ball around Jordan’s wall with just enough bend to slip it past Yazeed Abulaila into the centre of the net. The goalkeeper, caught off‑guard once again, escaped scrutiny as few lingered on his positioning.
It was yet another occasion to applaud Messi. “He could have played the full ninety minutes, but he wanted his teammates to get minutes and preserve himself for what lies ahead,” Scaloni explained. “He isn’t preoccupied with the statistics everyone cites, so I’m pleased with his decision. He told me that’s what he wanted, and I agreed. That says a lot.”
Consider the numbers: six goals in three matches put Messi two ahead of Kylian Mbappé in what could become a remarkable Golden Boot duel. His nineteenth goal in this tournament extends the record set earlier this week, satisfying the historians. For aficionados, it marked his first goal in his 40th year. Moreover, that strike made him the first player to find the net in seven successive World Cup tournaments.
Looking ahead, the aim is to let Cape Verde experience the renewed vigor of Messi. There’s no denying that the draw has favored Argentina; Colombia or Switzerland appear to be the only genuine obstacles before a potential semifinal clash. “I guarantee, believe me, that it will be a side that tests us,” Scaloni said regarding their unexpected round‑of‑32 opponent, adding that a legitimate defense of the title rests in the hands of the Albiceleste.
Scaloni made nine alterations for this encounter, as the head‑to‑head rule left both sides with little to play for. One might wonder whether a historic victory for Jordan—who, under the previous format, still possessed a slim chance of advancement—would outweigh the damage they suffered against Algeria and Austria. The query became moot thanks to Argentina’s substitutes, though a hint of underdog charm remained.
Jordan could claim they produced the match’s finest constructed goal by a wide margin. Trailing two‑nil and spotting Messi warming up, captain Ehsan Haddad dispossessed Nico Paz with deft footwork. His pass behind Exequiel Palacios was spot‑on, as was the initial cross from Essan Haddad that Musa Al‑Tamari finished on the run. The move was intelligent and fluid, giving Jordan victories over all three of this summer’s opponents.
Jordan’s head coach, Jamal Sellami, justifiably took pride in the effort. “Yet when facing top‑tier sides, minor mistakes are heavily punished,” he remarked. They could argue that Abu Taha was harshly punished for a seventh‑minute foul that gifted Giovani Lo Celso a shooting opportunity to the right of the D. Although Lo Celso’s free‑kick was well struck, Abulaila’s positioning far to the left left him scant chance to make a save. Lo Celso, who missed the 2018 World Cup due to injury, joyfully celebrated his debut on this stage.
Argentina’s remaining storyline centered on the front‑line pairing of Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez. Only one will partner Messi against Cape Verde, but they were instructed to cooperate here. Álvarez appears recovered from his ankle issue, yet Martínez displayed the greater impact. He converted a VAR‑awarded penalty shortly after the half‑hour, having previously struck the bar in a move that saw Nizar Al‑Rashdan clip Marcos Senesi in the face six yards out. Martínez also had a late effort that rattled the frame from distance, suggesting he may earn the starting role in Miami.
The responsibility then fell to Messi. “I simply told him, ‘Get warmed up, you’re coming on,’” Scaloni chuckled. “What else could I say?” Once more, Messi had the plan prepared.
