Jordan 1-3 Argentina: FIFA World Cup 2026 Lionel Messi’s arrival from the bench had preoccupied the overwhelming majority of those under this vast roof, to the extent that the play before it felt almost self-consciously like a prelude.
He had been wayward with a free-kick after coming on, when he won a second 22 yards from goal, the outcome seemed predestined. A whip around the wall, an inordinate amount of bend that saw the ball finish in an almost central position, and the Jordan keeper, Yazeed Abulaila could only look on
Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to the team with the holders already assured of top spot in Group J, but it did not stop Argentina from taking control in the first half. Giovani Lo Celso curled in a free-kick before Lautaro Martinez converted from the spot.
Jordan did have a moment to remember in the second half when substitute Mousa Al-Tamari finished a lovely team goal to pull one back. But Scaloni introduced Messi soon after, and the maestro delivered the moment that many supporters were there to see.