Giovani Lo Celso Shines as Argentina Dominates Group Stage in World Cup

Argentina's Stellar Performance in World Cup Group Stage

Arlington: In a remarkable display, Giovani Lo Celso became the first Argentine, apart from Lionel Messi, to find the net in this World Cup, helping the reigning champions secure a perfect group stage with a 3-1 triumph over Jordan.

Lo Celso opened the scoring for Argentina with a stunning direct free kick in the 19th minute during his inaugural World Cup start. Messi, who came off the bench in the second half, added to his tally, bringing his all-time World Cup goals to 19.

Leading the tournament with six goals, Messi was one of nine players rotated in the lineup, as Argentina had already secured their spot in the next round. He made his entrance in the 60th minute, just three days after celebrating his 39th birthday, and scored again in the 80th minute at the same venue where he set the scoring record.

Previously, Messi had netted all five of Argentina's goals in their victories over Algeria and Austria, which included his first World Cup hat trick and two goals in his record-breaking match. His current streak of scoring in seven consecutive World Cup matches has surpassed the previous record held by Just Fontaine of France and Brazil's Jairzinho.

In the first half, Lautaro Martinez extended Argentina's lead to 2-0 with a penalty kick in the 31st minute, following a close-range shot that hit the crossbar.

Martinez, who was substituted for Messi, along with goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez, was one of the few players to feature in all three of Argentina's group stage matches.

With an impressive record of seven wins and two draws in their last nine World Cup encounters, Argentina is set to face Cape Verde in the round of 32 on Friday, marking the smallest nation to reach the knockout stage.