The fate of both teams was already decided before a ball had been kicked. Defending champions Argentina were confirmed Group J winners after their faultless start with the magic of Lionel Messi scoring five goals in two games. The 39-year-old started on the bench after earning a much-deserved rest.

Meanwhile the Jordanians suffered two straight losses despite valiant efforts and scoring in both games.They were confirmed fourth place in Group J, leaving them with nothing to lose as they came face to face with the FIFA ranked number ones.

A fast start to the game saw expected Argentinian dominance. Giovanni Lo Celso saw a goal ruled out for offside, but quickly found another opportunity stepping up to strike a controversial free kick on the right hand side of the edge of the box.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man hooked his effort to the keepers side as Yazeed Abulaila eagerly moved across leaving a the far post free. Lo Celso's free kick found the back of the net, handing the Argentines an early lead. 

La Albiceleste quickly doubled their advantage through a penalty. Marcos Senesi's diving header resulted in him being caught by the boot of Jordanian midfielder Nizar Al Rashdan. Up stepped Lautaro Martinez who opened his goalscoring tally for the competition with a calm penalty to the keeper's left.

However, the second half saw a twist as the Jordanians scored their third ever World Cup goal through star man Mousa Tamari of Rennes. The 29-year-old got on the end of a strong Ehsan Haddad cross. Emiliano Martinez was close getting a hand to the ball but not enough to keep Tamari's effort out.

Unfortunately for the Jordanians, Lionel Scaloni summoned Messi from the bench and he was quick to make his mark. A free kick at the 80 minute mark saw the left footer bend his effort around the left hand side of the wall as Abulaila remained rooted in his goal. Messi's strike flew into the bottom left corner as Argentina re-gained their two goal advantage.

The eight time Ballon d'Or winner makes it six goals in three games at the 2026 World Cup leading the goalscoring tally.

Heading into the game, talk was emerging that the Argentines were too reliant on their magician Messi, with Lautaro missing chances in previous games and no other major attacking threat.

However Scaloni will be pleased to see his players step up in the absence of Messi. Lautaro included showing he had the composure to convert from twelve yards.

Depth from the bench will be a definitive factor in the latter stages of the group when the Argentines face opponents of a higher quality and may be pushed to 120 minutes.

Jordan still impressed. Scoring against Argentina has proven difficult so far this tournament. 

Both nations went into the game with their outcomes already decided. The game gave Scaloni an opportunity to rest players and experiment. Jordan had a farewell game against the world's best. Not the worst way to sign off their 2026 World Cup journey.

The Jordanians are the only side to have beaten Emi Martinez as he has failed to keep a clean sheet for the first time this tournament.

Argentina will face tournament surprise package Cape Verde who finished as Group H runners up only behind European Champions Spain.