Messi free-kick seals Argentina’s perfect group stage as Algeria and Austria advance in thriller

Group stage finale

Argentina entered the match already qualified for the round of 32, having won their first two Group 10 fixtures. Jordan needed a win to stay alive but were outplayed from the start. The Albiceleste controlled possession, created early openings and had a Giovani Lo Celso goal disallowed for offside in the seventh minute.

First-half control

Lo Celso was not deterred. In the 19th minute, he curled a left-footed free-kick into the top right corner, leaving goalkeeper Yazeed Abu Laila with no chance. Ten minutes later, Lautaro Martínez struck the post and, in the ensuing scramble, Marcos Senesi was caught by a high boot. After a VAR review, referee István Kovács pointed to the spot. Martínez converted confidently to make it 2-0.

Jordan’s brief revival

Jordan pulled one back early in the second half. Musa Al-Tamari, who had just entered the match, finished from close range after a well-worked move down the right, beating Emiliano Martínez. The goal prompted Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni to send on Lionel Messi in the 60th minute.

Messi closes the show

Twenty minutes after coming on, Messi produced a moment of brilliance. From a free-kick about 25 yards out, he bent the ball over the wall and into the net, leaving Abu Laila motionless. It was his sixth goal of the tournament, making him the outright top scorer of the 2026 World Cup, and his 19th career World Cup goal, extending his all-time record. Argentina will face Cape Verde in the last 32.

Algeria and Austria both progress

In the group’s other match, Algeria and Austria played out a 3-3 draw. Austria took the lead in the 28th minute but Algeria fought back. The draw was enough to send both teams through, while Jordan finished bottom with three defeats.