Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso scored a 19th-minute free kick to give his side an early lead against Jordan in their final 2026 World Cup Group J match at AT&T Stadium on Saturday, June 27, 2026.
The defending world champions entered the final matchday having already secured the top position in Group J and qualification for the Round of 32.
Tournament debutants Jordan had already been eliminated from advancement contention.
Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni chose to rest several regular starters, including team captain Lionel Messi, who began the match on the substitute bench after scoring five goals in his opening two tournament games.
Before the kickoff, Scaloni discussed his lineup decisions regarding his captain with the media.
"Leo [Messi] will be on the bench, that's where he will start," Scaloni said.
The manager explained his communication approach directly during a pre-match interaction with 91-year-old Argentine journalist Enrique Macaya Márquez.
"I'm just answering this because it's you who asked it, or else I probably would avoid it," added Scaloni.
The tactician decided to keep the remainder of his starting squad details undisclosed until the official match sheets were finalized.
"I'll keep the starting lineup to myself," stated Scaloni.
Scaloni indicated that the team captain would likely participate in the latter stages of the Group J finale.
"But I can tell you that Leo will start later," confirmed Scaloni.
The manager expressed confidence in the squad rotation, emphasizing that the incoming players earned their opportunities to feature on the World Cup stage.
"Those who will play [against Jordan] deserve it," said Scaloni.
He praised the collective mindset of the roster, noting their professionalism during training sessions.
"They are all part of this roster and they deserve huge credit for what we've achieved so far.
The guys that, when they don't play, are up the next day and are the first that one the play.
My hope as a manager is that the team plays the same way," remarked Scaloni.
Meanwhile, Jordan head coach Jamal Sellami viewed the fixture against the reigning champions as a historic development opportunity for his national program.
"I hope that tomorrow we will be prepared for this historic match against Argentina," said Sellami.
The opposing manager acknowledged the caliber of the tournament favorites ahead of the match at AT&T Stadium.
"We are going to play against one of the best teams in the world and favorite to win the cup and with a great footballer.
We will seek to learn and enjoy," added Sellami.
Sellami maintained that his tactical focus remained on his own squad regardless of whether the opposition rotated their superstar attacker.
"Whoever plays, it is a formidable team, very solid... We will concentrate on our own game.
We want this match to be a great memory for Jordan," stated Sellami.
In parallel Group J action, Algeria and Austria played simultaneously in Kansas City to determine the second automatic qualification spot for the knockout phase.
In other World Cup developments, Colombia and Portugal drew 0-0 in Miami to lock Colombia as group winners, while DR Congo defeated Uzbekistan 3-1 in Atlanta to seal third place and advance to play England.
Prior to the final matchday, the Group J standings were structured with all four teams having played two matches each.
Argentina is scheduled to face Cabo Verde in the Round of 32 on July 3, 2026, in Miami.
