Although the Argentine captain began the match on the bench, he entered the game midway through the second half and delighted supporters by scoring from a free-kick to register his sixth goal of the tournament. His latest strike keeps him at the top of the World Cup scoring chart as the competition moves into the Round of 32. The victory ensured Argentina finished first in Group J with nine points from three matches, having previously recorded convincing wins over Algeria and Austria. The reigning world champions will now turn their attention to surprise package Cape Verde, who await them in a knockout clash scheduled for July 3 in Miami. Messi's Leadership Praised Head coach Lionel Scaloni explained that Messi was fit enough to start but willingly accepted a substitute role to allow other squad members valuable playing time ahead of the knockout phase. According to Scaloni, the veteran forward's decision demonstrated his commitment to the team's overall success rather than individual milestones. Argentina in Complete Control Argentina dominated possession and created the better chances from the opening whistle. Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring with a well-taken free-kick that caught Jordan's goalkeeper off guard before Lautaro Martinez doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after a VAR review confirmed a foul inside the area. Jordan briefly reduced the deficit through Mousa Al-Tamari shortly after halftime, but the goal did little to change the outcome as Argentina remained firmly in control. The loudest cheers of the evening came when Messi was introduced to the delight of thousands of Argentine supporters inside the stadium. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner eventually sealed the victory by curling a free-kick into the net, continuing his remarkable scoring run after netting a hat-trick against Algeria and a brace against Austria earlier in the tournament. Lo Celso Eyes Bigger Challenge Ahead After the match, Lo Celso described Argentina's group-stage performance as highly encouraging while acknowledging there is still room for improvement. He admitted the team would have preferred to finish the group stage without conceding against Jordan but stressed that the focus has now shifted entirely to the knockout rounds. The midfielder also cautioned against underestimating Cape Verde, praising the tournament debutants for their impressive performances and warning that every match from this stage onward will demand complete concentration. Focus Turns to Cape Verde Scaloni made nine changes to his starting lineup against Jordan, retaining only goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and striker Lautaro Martinez from the previous victory over Austria. The squad rotation reflected Argentina's confidence after securing qualification while giving several players an opportunity to gain valuable minutes before the knockout rounds. With momentum firmly on their side, Argentina will now aim to continue their title defence and become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to win consecutive FIFA World Cup trophies. For Cape Verde, the challenge could hardly be greater. The tournament newcomers now face an Argentina side that appears to be peaking at the perfect moment, led by a Messi who continues to prove decisive on football's biggest stage.