Argentina showcase squad depth with convincing win over Jordan

Photo: Collected

Argentina underlined the strength of their squad with a convincing 3-1 victory over Jordan in their final Group J match, sealing top spot and a place in the knockout stage.

Head coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his starting lineup but his side delivered another commanding performance to finish the group stage on a high.

Argentina dominated from the outset and took the lead in the 17th minute when Giovani Lo Celso curled a superb free-kick into the net after winning the foul himself just outside the penalty area.

Lo Celso had found the net as early as the fifth minute, but the effort was ruled out for offside. His eventual goal marked a memorable strike on his FIFA World Cup debut.

The South American champions doubled their lead in the 31st minute after Marcos Senesi was brought down inside the box. Following a VAR review, the referee awarded a penalty, which Lautaro Martinez calmly converted for his first-ever World Cup goal.

Jordan responded after the break and reduced the deficit when Musa Al Tamari turned home a low cross from the right wing. It was Jordan's first goal of the tournament and the first conceded by Argentina in this World Cup after clean sheets against Algeria and Austria.

Scaloni introduced Lionel Messi, Thiago Almada and Alexis Mac Allister on the hour mark, replacing Lo Celso, Lautaro Martinez and Nico Paz.

Messi made an immediate impact, scoring a spectacular free-kick from around 30 yards to restore Argentina's two-goal advantage.

The goal also saw Messi score in his seventh consecutive World Cup match, breaking the 56-year-old record previously held by Brazilian legend Jairzinho.

Argentina comfortably saw out the remainder of the match to secure a 3-1 victory and finish as Group J winners.

They will face Cape Verde in the knockout stage.