The Inter Miami superstar came off the bench to score a trademark free-kick as Argentina finished the group stage perfect, while historic debutants Jordan exited with their heads held high.
heavily rotated his squad with the Round of 32 already secured, but the defending champions still cruised to a 3-1 victory in Dallas. and both scored their first-ever career World Cup goals in the first half to put Argentina in control. But Jordan refused to be a footnote in their debut tournament. Winger pulled one back in the second half, ensuring Jordan scored in all three of their group games. Then Lionel Messi entered from the bench in the 60th minute. He curled home an 80th-minute free-kick to seal a perfect nine-point group stage for the holders.