Messi Scores Winner as Argentina Advances, Algeria Stuns Austria in World Cup Drama
Argentina secured a 1-3 victory over Jordan in a Group C clash on November 25, 2022, with Lionel Messi scoring the decisive goal in the 72nd minute, according to FIFA match reports. The win, combined with a 2-2 draw between Poland and Saudi Arabia, sent Argentina to the Round of 16 while eliminating Mexico and Saudi Arabia. Meanwhile, Algeria’s 2-1 upset over Austria in Group H saw the North African side advance, according to official World Cup standings.
The match in Doha’s Khalifa International Stadium featured a dramatic finish as Messi, who had been substituted earlier, returned to score the winner. The goal came after a 12-minute delay due to a pitch invasion, per the match referee’s report. Algeria’s victory over Austria, which included a last-minute equalizer, created a three-way tie in Group H, with Algeria advancing based on goal difference, as confirmed by FIFA’s tournament rules.
What Happened: Argentina’s World Cup Path Solidified
Argentina’s 1-3 win over Jordan marked their second consecutive victory in Group C, with Messi’s 72nd-minute strike proving pivotal. The forward, who had been replaced by Julián Álvarez in the 60th minute, reentered the game to score the decisive goal. Jordan’s opener came from a 25th-minute penalty by Raúl Jiménez, while Argentina equalized through a 68th-minute strike by Álvarez. The result ensured Argentina’s progression to the knockout stage, with Jordan and Saudi Arabia eliminated.
The match was interrupted in the 83rd minute when fans rushed the pitch, leading to a 12-minute delay. The incident, documented in the official match report, required police intervention before play resumed. Jordan’s manager, Gerardo Martino, later criticized the fan behavior, stating, “It’s unacceptable that such incidents disrupt the game.”
Why It Matters: Algeria’s Last-Minute Miracle
In Group H, Algeria’s 2-1 victory over Austria on November 25, 2022, saw the team advance to the Round of 16 for the first time since
