World Cup: Leverkusen's Palacios helps Argentina end group stage with perfect record

Exequiel Palacios played the entire game for his first appearance of the 2026 World Cup when Argentina ended the group stage with 3-1 victory over debutants Jordan. Bayer Leverkusen’s midfielder had to make a shift as a right-back in Lionel Scaloni’s much-changed lineup.

Argentina’s goals came from dead-ball situations. Giovani Lo Celso, who missed La Albiceleste’s triumph four years ago due to an injury, opened the scoring from a direct free-kick. Lautaro Martinez doubled their advantage before the break after his successful penalty-kick.

Lionel Messi would’ve probably taken both if he started the game, but he still got into the scoresheet with Argentina’s second direct free-kick goal. The all-time leading scorer of the competition has also become the first to find the net in seven successive World Cup games.

Before Messi’s introduction, Jordan did get into the scoresheet through their half-time substitute Moussa Al-Taamari. They lost all of their games in the group, but did score in each one on their first-ever appearance.

Argentina, France and co-hosts Mexico are the only teams with perfect records in the group stage. Canada’s game against South Africa will kick off the Round of 32 on Sunday as Germany take on Paraguay the following day. Argentina are set to play Cape Verde on July 4th.