Defending champions Argentina completed the FIFA World Cup group stage with a perfect record after defeating Jordan 3-1 in their final Group J match, sealing maximum nine points from three games.

Already assured of a place in the knockout stage, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni rested captain Lionel Messi, who started the match on the bench. The 38-year-old was introduced in the second half and marked his appearance with a goal in the 80th minute from a free-kick.

It was Messi's sixth goal of the tournament, taking his overall World Cup tally to 19 goals. He has now scored in all three group-stage matches, having netted a hat-trick against Algeria and a brace against Austria.

Argentina took control of the match in the first half, building a 2-0 lead through a superb free-kick from Giovani Lo Celso and a Lautaro Martinez penalty.

Jordan pulled one back 10 minutes into the second half when Mousa Al-Tamari finished from close range, briefly reducing the deficit to 2-1. However, Messi restored Argentina's two-goal advantage with a well-taken free-kick after coming off the bench to a standing ovation from the crowd.

Scaloni made nine changes to the side that defeated Austria in the previous match, retaining only goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez and striker Lautaro Martinez in the starting lineup.

The victory ensured Argentina finished top of Group J with nine points, having previously beaten Algeria 3-0 and Austria 2-0. They will now face World Cup debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32.

With three wins from three matches and Messi in fine scoring form, Argentina head into the knockout stage as one of the tournament's strongest contenders.