The final round of matches in FIFA World Cup Group J delivered drama, late twists and historic moments as Argentina sealed another victory while Austria rescued qualification in stoppage time against Algeria.
Defending champions Argentina maintained their unbeaten run with a 3-1 victory over Jordan, while Austria and Algeria played out a thrilling 3-3 draw that saw both teams progress to the round of 32 and ended Iran’s hopes of advancing.
In Dallas, Lionel Messi once again etched his name into football history after coming off the bench to score in Argentina’s comfortable win over Jordan.
With top spot in Group J already secured, Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni rotated his squad heavily, making nine changes. However, the holders remained dominant from the opening stages.
Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a well-taken free-kick before Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 31st minute.
Jordan created a memorable moment after the break when Mousa Al-Taamari finished a flowing move in the 55th minute to reduce the deficit and briefly raise hopes of a comeback.
But the introduction of Messi quickly shifted the momentum.
The 39-year-old superstar delivered the moment fans had waited for, finding the net with a trademark low finish to score Argentina’s third and secure another record in World Cup history.
Messi’s goal made him the first player ever to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches. The strike was also his sixth goal of the tournament and his 19th overall at the World Cup.
Argentina now advance to the round of 32 where they will face tournament surprise package Cape Verde.
Meanwhile, Kansas City produced one of the most dramatic finishes of the group stage as Austria and Algeria battled to an unforgettable 3-3 draw.
Austria twice took the lead through Marko Arnautovic and Marcel Sabitzer, but Algeria continued to respond through Rafik Belghali and Riyad Mahrez.
As the match entered stoppage time and qualification scenarios shifted rapidly, Mahrez appeared to have sent Algeria through as Group J runners-up after firing home in the third minute of added time.
The goal left Austria staring at elimination and briefly opened the door for Iran to qualify.
But Austria manager Ralf Rangnick’s final gamble changed everything.
Substitute Sasa Kalajdzic was thrown forward and delivered in dramatic fashion, meeting a headed pass in the 96th minute to score the equaliser and spark wild celebrations.
The result ensured both Austria and Algeria progressed to the knockout stage.
Austria finished as Group J runners-up and will now face Spain in the round of 32, while Algeria advanced as one of the best third-placed teams and will take on Switzerland.
Group J ended with Argentina on top, Austria through in second place, Algeria surviving in third, and Iran suffering heartbreak after a dramatic night of football.
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