Messi entered the match in the 60th minute to a thunderous ovation from the crowd and capped the victory 20 minutes later with a trademark free kick. The Argentine captain kept his effort low, bending it around the wall and into the far corner to seal a 3-1 win.

　　Messi has now scored six goals in three matches, moving clear at the top of the tournament's Golden Boot race. The 39-year-old also extended his lead in the all-time World Cup scoring list with 19 goals.

　　The victory marked Argentina's first perfect group-stage campaign at a World Cup since 2014 in Brazil.

　　Argentina will face Cabo Verde in the round of 32 on July 3.■

　　Lionel Messi of Argentina celebrates his goal during the group J match between Jordan and Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, on June 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)

　　Yazan Alarab (front) of Jordan competes during the group J match between Jordan and Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, on June 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Cheng Min)

　　Lionel Messi (3rd R) of Argentina celebrates his goal during the group J match between Jordan and Argentina at the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Dallas Stadium in Dallas, the United States, on June 27, 2026. (Xinhua/Jia Haocheng)