Argentina’s veteran Lionel Messi continued his red-hot form as the defending champions defeated Jordan by 3-1 to cap off their group stage with a win. With this win, Argentina topped their group, winning all of their three games.

Messi was left on the bench by Argentina’s manager Lionel Messi but he was able to make an impact straight away after he was introduced in the 60th minute. The talismanic striker converted from a free-kick in the 80th minute to put the game to bed after Argentina were leading 2-1.

It was his 72nd career goal on a free kick and 12th for Argentina. Messi has 123 international goals — second all time to Cristiano Ronaldo’s 145 — in 202 appearances.

Earlier, Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez (through a penalty) scored in the first half against Jordan.

“I am very happy for him, for the moment he is having,” Lo Celso said after becoming the first Argentine other than Messi to score in this tournament, also on a free kick in the 19th minute. “The truth is that seeing him every day excites, excites and infects a lot. So obviously, seeing him like that for us is very important.”

Scaloni revealed that he had discussed with Messi regarding his place on the bench in a dead rubber contest.

“I spoke with Leo [Messi], and we both agreed that his coming on in the second half was the best thing today. That shows what he means to the group,” Scaloni said.

“He had watched 55 minutes of the match [before coming from the bench] and knew what was going on. There are times when, if something needs changing, I can tell him what we’re going to do for his benefit. But he doesn’t need to be taught anything.”

Messi has now scored six goals in the ongoing FIFA World Cup, the most by any player.

“What you’re seeing [about Messi], I’m seeing the same thing,” Scaloni added. “It’s a little bit of an uncomfortable situation every single time people ask because I no longer know what to say.”

Argentina, the Group J winners, will face first-time World Cup qualifiers Cape Verde in the round of 32.