Messi scores hat-trick as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1, tops World Cup Group J
Lionel Messi came off the bench to score Argentina’s third goal with a free‑kick, sealing a 3‑1 win over Jordan in their 2026 World Cup Group J match at Dallas Stadium on June 27, 2026. The goal gave Messi his sixth of the tournament and saw Argentina finish the group stage with maximum points after wins over Algeria and Austria.
For Nigerian football fans, Messi’s feat at age 39 shows that age is no barrier to elite performance, offering inspiration to local players aspiring to compete on the world stage. It also underscores Argentina’s strength as they prepare to face African side Cape Verde in the round of 16 on July 3 in Miami, a match that could shape the continent’s World Cup journey.
Argentina dominated the game despite making nine changes, with Giovani Lo Celso opening the scoring and Lautaro Martínez adding a penalty before Jordan’s Mousa Al‑Tamari pulled one back. Messi’s late free‑kick restored the two‑goal cushion. With qualification already secured, coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi chose to rest to keep his teammates fresh for the tougher knockout stage.
If you’re following the World Cup, keep an eye on the Argentina‑Cape Verde clash; it could be a barometer for how African sides fare against South American giants in the knockout rounds.