A deep breath, a composed run-up and a clinical finish that sent the goalkeeper the wrong way. Then came the sprint to the corner flag, the leap and the roar of relief. Lautaro Martinez had his first FIFA World Cup goal. It was also the Inter captain’s first goal celebration at the tournament, ending his wait at the ninth attempt and taking his Argentina tally to 38 goals in 80 appearances. Another iconic moment to add to an ever-growing and increasingly illustrious collection.
El Toro’s goal put Argentina 2-0 up against Jordan in their final Group J match. The penalty was awarded after Senesi was brought down, moments after Lautaro had rattled the crossbar in the same attacking move. Giovani Lo Celso had opened the scoring with a free-kick in the 19th minute, while Lionel Messi sealed the 3-1 victory with another set-piece after Mousa Al-Tamari had pulled one back for Jordan.
Starting alongside Julian Alvarez in attack, Lautaro played 60 minutes before making way for Messi. The victory saw Argentina finish top of Group J with a perfect record. Lionel Scaloni’s side will return to action in the Round of 32 on the night of Saturday 4 July, when they face Cape Verde at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, with kick-off scheduled for midnight CEST.
