When Lionel Messi suddenly sat on the bench in the last match of Group J against Jordan, Argentine fans present in the stands of AT&T stadium still continuously chanted his name.
Before the match, coach Lionel Scaloni said that Argentina had early won the top spot in the group and tickets to the knockout round. Therefore, this is a suitable time for some key players to rest, and at the same time create an opportunity for him to assess the depth of the squad.
In the context of Messi not playing as a starter, Scaloni harmoniously combined experience and youth. Giovani Lo Celso, Giuliano Simeone, Nico Paz and Marcos Senesi all started for the first time at the World Cup, while the veteran duo Nicolas Otamendi (38 years old) and Nicolas Tagliafico (33 years old) brought balance to the squad.
Today is a match to avoid risks with key players, and at the same time assess players who can play in many different positions" - Scaloni shared after the match. And his plan worked when Albiceleste won convincingly 3-1.
Right from the beginning of the match, Argentina completely overwhelmed. After only 10 minutes, they controlled the ball up to 83% and continuously pressed Jordan to their own half. In the 19th minute, Lo Celso broke the deadlock with a beautiful free kick from outside the penalty area.
Usually, that is the situation where Messi will be the one to perform. But this time, Lo Celso was given the opportunity and performed perfectly, becoming the second Argentine player to score at the 2026 World Cup, after Messi himself.
Before the first half ended, Lautaro Martinez doubled the score from the penalty spot. Once again, it was a situation where Messi usually took the penalty. The Inter Milan striker celebrated emotionally after his first goal at the 2026 World Cup, as an affirmation of a new beginning.
The players had a very good match. We created conditions for everyone to have the opportunity to play and that makes me very happy. Lo Celso could not attend the World Cup first due to injury, and Lautaro finally scored. We are very happy for them. But the most exciting part of the tournament is still ahead" - Scaloni said.
Of course, it would not be complete if an Argentina match at the World Cup lacked Messi's mark. After Mousa Al-Taamari unexpectedly narrowed the score for Jordan, the 39-year-old superstar was brought on to replace Martinez in the 60th minute and quickly left his mark with a classy free kick, making the audience on the field burst into tears.
This goal helped Messi become the first player in history to score in 7 consecutive World Cup matches, surpassing Just Fontaine and Jairzinho's 6-match streak. At the same time, he also raised the total number of goals in World Cups to 19.
I am very happy for Messi with what he is showing. Being able to witness him training and playing every day always brings great inspiration to us. Seeing him maintain such form is extremely important for the whole team" - Lo Celso shared.
Argentina closed the match with 73% ball possession, launched 12 shots and achieved an expected goal score (xG) of 2.13. More importantly, Argentina showed that they still maintained an effective playing style even when Messi was not in the starting lineup.
In the round of 16, Argentina will face Cabo Verde - the phenomenon of the tournament after drawing with Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia to win second place in Group H. Although the opponent possesses a disciplined defense, Scaloni still believes in the squad depth of the defending champion.
We are always focused on ourselves. Any opponent is strong and respectable. The important thing is that Argentina must make the most of the weapons they have to cause difficulties for them" - Scaloni affirmed.
