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.
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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.
