Argentina Player Ratings vs Jordan: Lionel Messi Breaks Another World Cup Record as Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez Share the Scoring Load

If this turns out to be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup, the Argentine legend seems intent on leaving with every attacking record possible. The captain became the first player in the history of the tournament to score in seven consecutive matches, sealing a hard-fought 3-1 victory over a spirited Jordan side. Manager Lionel Scaloni also discovered new attacking options with Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez both finding the net.

Despite a 72-place gap in the FIFA rankings, the encounter was far tighter than Argentina would have liked—particularly after the break.

Before the group-stage finale against Jordan, Messi had scored all five of Argentina’s goals. Starting this time from the bench, his teammates proved capable of lightening his scoring burden.

Argentina began brightly, with Giovani Lo Celso almost opening the scoring in the seventh minute, finishing off a swift passing move before being ruled narrowly offside. The Real Betis midfielder didn’t have to wait long, though. After Argentina dominated nearly 90 percent of possession in the opening 14 minutes, Lo Celso took charge of a free kick and unleashed a powerful strike past Yazeed Abulaila, reminiscent of his eight-time Ballon d’Or-winning skipper.

Some may argue the Jordan goalkeeper could have done better, but there was no denying the quality of Lo Celso’s effort—or the significance of someone other than Messi setting the early tone. Argentina maintained control throughout the first half, turning their heavy possession into repeated set-piece chances. On one such occasion, Marcos Senesi drew a penalty while challenging for a header, and Lautaro Martínez calmly converted in the 31st minute to make it 2-0.

However, Argentina couldn’t completely translate their dominance into comfort, and Jordan grew into the game after halftime, forcing Scaloni’s men to work harder than expected. Jordan manager Jamal Sellami introduced Mousa Tamari and Mahmoud Al Mardi, and Tamari made an immediate impression. Exploiting Argentina’s lapse in defence, he finished off a counterattack to reduce the deficit to 2-1.

Following a nervy spell for La Albiceleste, Scaloni looked to his talisman, bringing on Messi in the 60th minute. And, as always, he delivered.

After a relatively quiet 20 minutes, Messi stepped up for a free kick and drilled a low effort past Abulaila to restore Argentina’s two-goal cushion. That strike made him the first player ever to score in seven straight World Cup games. Argentina also became the first team since Japan in 2010 to net twice from free kicks in a single match. The result completed a perfect group stage for Scaloni’s men, who now prepare to face Cape Verde in what promises to be a thrilling contest in Miami.

Below are Argentina’s player ratings from Dallas.

Goalkeeper & Defence

Emiliano Martinez (6/10): Had little to do in the first half—he could have set up a chair on the Dallas Stadium turf. In the second half, whether due to complacency or misjudgment, he was beaten by Tamari.

Exequiel Palacios (8/10): Made the most of a rare start with seven defensive actions in the first 45 minutes, most of which came in Jordan’s half as his pressing triggered Argentina’s counters. Right-back has been a weak spot so far, but Palacios gave Scaloni something to consider.

Nicolas Otamendi (6/10): Like Palacios, he had little to defend in the first half and contributed mainly in possession and aerial duels. However, he switched off for Jordan’s goal and paid the price.

Marcos Senesi (7/10): Won the penalty that led to Martínez’s goal and effectively operated as an extra midfielder. Completed a high percentage of passes throughout.

Nicolás Tagliafico (6/10): In a match focused on attack, he didn’t contribute much going forward and couldn’t prevent Jordan’s goal.

Midfield

Leandro Paredes (6/10): Played in the Rodrigo De Paul-like role, seeing plenty of the ball and maintaining passing accuracy. Improved his influence after halftime.

Nico Paz (7/10): The Como talent, surrounded by transfer rumours, impressed with his creativity. Operating mainly on the left, he beat defenders on the dribble and found teammates with several incisive passes.

Giovani Lo Celso (8/10): WHAT. A. FREE. KICK. Came in eager and nearly scored early before being denied by an offside flag. Made up for it minutes later with a stunning set-piece goal to open Argentina’s account.

Giuliano Simeone (6/10): Offered width and energy but lacked real influence on proceedings.

Attack

Julian Alvarez (5/10): Still seems affected by the injury suffered late in his club campaign. His touch and link-up play were off, though his pressing helped Argentina maintain intensity.

Lautaro Martínez (8/10): Finally! In his ninth World Cup outing, the Inter striker converted a penalty, which appeared to lift his confidence. He’ll rue an early offside pass to Lo Celso that spoiled a clear chance but was otherwise sharp in the box and punished Jordan’s defence. Deserved more than one goal and was surprisingly subbed instead of Alvarez for Messi.

Substitutes & Manager

Lionel Messi (9/10): Initially quiet in his first World Cup substitute appearance since 2006, but one moment of genius changed everything. Then he turned back into the Messi everyone fears—Jordan’s worst nightmare realised.

Alexis Mac Allister (7/10): Provided defensive cover and tidy passing during his half-hour on the pitch.

Thiago Almada (6/10): Brought pace and energy but had limited impact.

Valentin Barco (6/10): The highly rated youngster made his competitive debut for Argentina at the World Cup. A significant milestone for the 21-year-old, even if his contributions were minimal.

Jose Lopez (N/A): Entered too late to make an impression.

Lionel Scaloni (7/10): Will be frustrated by the goal conceded to Jordan, especially given its nature. Yet he unearthed new attacking and defensive solutions, which bodes well for the knockout rounds.