Lionel Messi created another piece of World Cup history as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 in their final Group J match at Dallas Stadium. The defending champions finished the group stage with three straight wins and confirmed their place in the Round of 32, where they will face Cape Verde.

Although Messi started on the bench, he made an immediate impact after coming on in the second half. The Argentine captain scored a stunning free-kick late in the match to seal the victory and extend his remarkable World Cup record.

Giovani Lo Celso shines on World Cup debut

Argentina controlled possession from the opening whistle and created the first chance through Nicolás Otamendi. The stand-in captain headed Giovani Lo Celso's corner over the crossbar.

Lo Celso then opened the scoring in the 19th minute after Mohannad Abu Taha fouled him just outside the penalty area. The Real Betis midfielder stepped up and curled a superb free-kick into the top-left corner, leaving goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila with no chance. The goal made Lo Celso the first Argentine player to score on his World Cup debut since Martin Palermo against Greece in 2010.

Lautaro Martínez ends his World Cup goal drought

Argentina continued to dominate after taking the lead. Lautaro Martínez struck the crossbar from Nicolás Tagliafico's cross before Yazeed Abulaila produced an excellent save to deny Marcos Senesi.

However, Argentina won a penalty after Nizar Al Rashdan caught Senesi in the face with a high boot while challenging for the ball. Referee Istvan Kovacs awarded the spot-kick following a VAR review.

Martínez calmly converted the penalty and sent Abulaila the wrong way to double Argentina's lead. The Inter Milan striker finally ended his long wait for a World Cup goal. He scored his first goal in the tournament after nine World Cup appearances and 17 attempts. The strike also became his 38th goal for Argentina, making him the country's fourth-highest international goalscorer.

Jordan briefly fights back

Argentina pushed for a third goal before halftime, but Otamendi and Julián Alvarez missed good chances. Martínez also struck the crossbar again early in the second half.

Jordan found a way back into the contest just as Messi prepared to enter the match. Substitute Mousa Al Tamari finished a perfectly weighted cross from Ehsan Haddad to reduce the deficit and give Jordan fresh hope.

Messi seals another famous victory

Messi wasted little time making his mark after coming off the bench. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner dribbled past Amer Jamous before winning a free-kick outside the penalty area. He then curled a brilliant effort around the defensive wall and into the net to restore Argentina's two-goal advantage.

The goal became Messi's sixth of the tournament. It also strengthened his lead in the Golden Boot race. More importantly, Messi became the first player in World Cup history to score in seven consecutive tournament appearances. He also extended his own record to 19 World Cup goals.

Argentina finish group stage in dominant style

Argentina completed the group stage with maximum points and maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament. Lo Celso impressed on his World Cup debut, while Martínez regained his scoring touch at the perfect time.

Messi once again stole the spotlight despite playing only part of the match. The 39-year-old produced another moment of brilliance to guide Argentina to victory and underline why he remains one of the biggest stars on the world stage.

His goal also helped Argentina become only the fourth team since 1966 to score two direct free-kick goals in a single World Cup match, joining Brazil (1966), Yugoslavia (1974) and Japan (2010).