MIAMI — Inter Miami CF captain Leo Messi extended his lead atop the FIFA World Cup 2026 scoring chart with his sixth goal of the tournament as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 to complete a perfect group stage, finishing Group J with three wins and 9 points.
Messi entered the match as a substitute in the 60th minute, replacing Lautaro Martínez, and needed just 20 minutes to make his mark. He buried a free kick into the bottom-left corner in the 80th minute to seal the victory for the defending champions. His six goals lead all scorers in the tournament.
Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a free kick to the top-left corner, and Lautaro Martínez doubled the lead by converting a penalty in the 31st minute. Jordan’s Mousa Al-Tamari pulled one back in the 55th minute, but Argentina’s defense held firm the rest of the way.
Inter Miami midfielder Rodrigo De Paul was available on the bench but did not feature in the match. Argentina dominated the shot count 13-5 despite holding just 27% possession to Jordan’s 73%. Jordan committed 13 fouls to Argentina’s 7, and Argentina held a 6-2 advantage in corner kicks. Jordan’s goalkeeper made 1 save while Argentina’s Emiliano Martínez was not called upon for any.
The back four of Exequiel Palacios, Nicolás Otamendi, Marcos Senesi and Nicolás Tagliafico anchored the defense, while Giuliano Simeone, Nico Paz, Leandro Paredes and Lo Celso started in midfield alongside forwards Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez.
Argentina will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on Friday, July 3 at Miami Stadium with a 6 p.m. ET kickoff — a home-venue advantage for Messi and his Inter Miami teammates.