Lionel Messi Scores Again as Argentina Cruise Past Jordan to Complete Perfect Group Campaign
Argentina completed a perfect group stage campaign with a 3-1 victory over Jordan in Dallas, finishing top of Group J with nine points and setting up a Round of 32 clash against Cape Verde.
Lionel Messi Scores Again as Argentina Cruise Past Jordan to Complete Perfect Group Campaign
With qualification and top spot already secured, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his starting lineup, retaining only goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and striker Lautaro Martinez. The defending champions dominated from the outset and opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Giovani Lo Celso curled a superb left-footed free kick into the top corner after Jordan defender Mohannad Abutaha conceded a foul just outside the penalty area.
Argentina doubled their lead in the 31st minute after a VAR review awarded a penalty when Marcos Senesi was kicked in the head while challenging for the ball inside the area. Lautaro Martinez converted from the spot to make it 2-0. Jordan reduced the deficit 10 minutes into the second half when Mousa Altamari slid in to steer Ehsan Haddad's cross beyond Emiliano Martinez.
Messi entered the match in the 60th minute to a thunderous ovation and capped the victory 20 minutes later with a trademark free kick, keeping his effort low and bending it around the wall into the far corner to seal a 3-1 win.
Argentina finished top of Group J with nine points and will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
Source: TrendyBeatz
