Argentina’s commanding 3-1 victory over Jordan has left confidence growing within Lionel Scaloni’s squad, with Giuliano Simeone, Nicolas Otamendi and Emiliano Martinez all highlighting the team’s momentum as attention turns to the knockout phase and the next challenge against Cape Verde.
Having already secured top spot in Group J, Argentina produced another assured display in their final group-stage outing, allowing several squad players to impress while reinforcing the depth that has become a hallmark of the reigning world champions.
For Simeone, however, the occasion carried far greater personal significance.
The Atletico Madrid forward made his FIFA World Cup debut on Saturday after being handed a place in Scaloni’s starting line-up, completing a remarkable recovery from the serious injury that threatened to derail his career less than three years ago.
Simeone suffered fractures to his ankle and fibula during a pre-season friendly between Deportivo Alaves, where he was on loan, and Burgos on 6 August 2023. From that moment, his objective extended beyond rehabilitation as he set his sights on representing Argentina on football’s biggest stage.
That ambition was realised at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, where Argentina secured a convincing victory over Jordan.
“Making my World Cup debut is incredible. I have dreamt of this since I was a little boy,” Simeone told reporters in the mixed zone after the match.
Veteran defender Nicolas Otamendi also praised Argentina’s performance, insisting the squad continues to improve despite extensive changes to the starting line-up.
The centre-back said the ‘Albiceleste’ are “evolving in the best possible way” and credited the strength of the squad, adding that “those who come into the side continue to perform” at a high level.
Otamendi captained the team with Lionel Messi beginning the match on the bench before entering in the 60th minute, but the defender was quick to dismiss any suggestion that the role had changed the team’s leadership dynamic.
“As I always say, I am just holding the armband for our captain. The captain is Leo.”
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez was equally encouraged after completing another appearance as he continues his recovery from injury.
Despite Scaloni rotating his squad with qualification already secured, Martinez requested to play in order to regain full sharpness before Argentina’s meeting with Cape Verde in Miami on 3 July.
“The feelings are getting better,” Martinez said after the final whistle.
“I have spent a lot of time unable to train, and playing matches is the best way to improve. I believe I will be able to play and train normally for the next game,” he confirmed.
With three wins from three in the group stage and competition for places intensifying across the squad, Argentina head into the knockout rounds with confidence growing and key players returning to peak condition at an ideal stage of the tournament.
