Messi breaks a record as Argentina complete a perfect group
Argentina rounded off a flawless group stage with a 3-1 win over Jordan at AT&T Stadium, sealing top spot in Group J. Lionel Messi, expected to be rested, instead started and capped the night with a late free-kick that made him the first player in World Cup history to score in seven consecutive matches at the finals — the unofficial centrepiece of what many sense could be a 'Last Dance'. The champions were comfortable throughout against a brave but outmatched Jordan.
How it unfolded: Lo Celso, a penalty, then a Messi record
Giovani Lo Celso curled in a free-kick on 19 minutes to set Argentina on their way, and Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead from the penalty spot on 31 — the spot-kick won by Marcos Senesi after Julian Alvarez had struck the crossbar. Jordan pulled one back through Musa Al-Tamari on 55 minutes, before Messi curled home a free-kick on 80 to complete the scoring and set his record. Lionel Scaloni's choice to start his captain was fully justified.
Context: the champions, and their talisman, roll on
Every Messi appearance carries weight, and his free-kick deepened the sense of occasion around Argentina's defence of the trophy — seven straight World Cup matches on the scoresheet, a record no player had reached before. Played rather than rested with qualification secured, the captain delivered once more. Scaloni's side reach the knockouts with maximum points and a settled, dangerous look that few will want to face.
The table: Argentina top, Cape Verde next
Argentina finished top of Group J on nine points (GD plus seven), with Austria second and Algeria third — both through, Algeria among the best thirds, a result that eliminated Iran. Jordan exit at the bottom. Argentina face debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32. Our forecast of over 2.5 goals landed comfortably in a four-goal contest, as the champions' quality produced the open game the numbers anticipated.
What we predicted before the match
🌍 FIFA World Cup · World
Jordan – Argentina Prediction and Betting Tips
Jordan
LLLLD
vs
21:00
27 Jun · Sat
Argentina
WWWWW
Kick-off: 21:00 local (27 Jun) · 02:00 UTCVenue: AT&T StadiumReferee: I. Kovacs
Top forecast + 4 supporting tips
5 picks Top Pick
Total:Over: 2.5Over 2.5 goals60% confidence
1.58odds
Argentinau2019s quality and attacking depth against an eliminated Jordan points to a game that clears 2.5 goals.
Back this tip
X272%
Argentina or draw
1.19 odds
Total Team 2 Over: 1.564%
Argentina over 1.5 goals
1.26 odds
Total Team 1 Under: 1.562%
Jordan under 1.5 goals
1.07 odds
Total:Over: 1.580%
Over 1.5 goals
1.17 odds
Jordan and Argentina meet at AT&T Stadium in a Group J finale where only the holders have anything left to chase, with both group games kicking off simultaneously.
Argentina chasing top spot
Argentina sealed qualification with a perfect record — a 3-0 win over Algeria and a 2-0 defeat of Austria, the latter graced by Lionel Messi's brace that took the all-time World Cup scorer to 18 goals — and a result here would confirm top spot in Group J. With the knockout rounds firmly in mind, Lionel Scaloni may rest key players and manage minutes, but the sheer depth of the world champions' squad means quality is rarely far from the pitch even when changes are made.
Jordan bow out with pride
Jordan, competing at their first World Cup, are already eliminated after defeats to Austria and Algeria, but they leave the tournament having made a mark — a historic goal against Algeria, only the second in the nation's World Cup history, ranked among the highlights of a spirited debut. They will want to sign off with a competitive, organised display against the holders in front of a big Texas crowd, and to give their growing support something to remember.
Our forecast: the holders' quality tells
With Argentina's attacking depth set against an out-but-willing Jordan, our forecast leans toward goals: the total over 2.5 reads as the value angle, even allowing for rotation. Around it, Argentina to avoid defeat reflects their class, Argentina over 1.5 fits their firepower, and Jordan are tipped to stay under 1.5 against a side that defends with real organisation.
Jordan
1–3
Argentina
