Argentina 3-1 Jordan: Lionel Messi sets new World Cup record

Lionel Messi continued rewriting football history after becoming the first player ever to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches during Argentina's 3-1 victory over Jordan.

Coming off the bench in the second half, the Argentina captain curled home a trademark free-kick to extend his remarkable scoring streak while also adding another milestone to his already extraordinary international career.

The victory ensured Argentina completed the group stage with another convincing performance after already securing first place in Group J.

Record-Breaking Goal

Messi entered the match shortly after the hour mark with Argentina already in control and the result carrying little significance beyond maintaining momentum ahead of the knockout rounds.

Nevertheless, the 39-year-old delivered another memorable moment.

After being fouled just outside the penalty area in the 80th minute, Messi stepped up to fire a precise low free-kick through the defensive wall and into the bottom corner, leaving the Jordan goalkeeper with no chance.

The goal was his 19th at FIFA World Cup tournaments, extending his record as the highest-scoring player in men's World Cup history.

Another Historic Milestone

The strike also made Messi the first footballer to score in seven consecutive World Cup appearances. Before Saturday's match, he shared the previous record of six straight scoring games alongside France legend Just Fontaine and Brazilian icon Jairzinho.

His latest goal further highlighted the consistency that has defined Argentina's captain throughout his remarkable World Cup career.

Free-Kick Specialist

Messi's latest effort also reinforced his reputation as one of football's greatest dead-ball specialists. The Jordan strike became the 72nd direct free-kick goal of his professional career and his 12th for Argentina.

He has now scored multiple free-kicks across different World Cup tournaments, joining an exclusive list of legendary players to achieve the feat on football's biggest stage.

Golden Boot Race Tightens

Messi's sixth goal of the tournament strengthened his position at the top of the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup Golden Boot. The Argentine captain now holds a narrow advantage over several elite challengers, including Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Vinícius Júnior.

Remarkably, despite winning virtually every major individual honour in football, Messi has never finished as the leading scorer at a World Cup. With Argentina safely through to the Round of 32, he will have further opportunities to chase another historic achievement.

Argentina focused on knockout stage

Head coach Lionel Scaloni rested several regular starters after Argentina had already guaranteed first place in Group J. Messi also began the match on the bench as the coaching staff carefully managed his workload following recent fitness concerns.

Despite limited minutes, the Inter Miami superstar once again made a decisive impact, while Giovani Lo Celso also found the scoresheet with an impressive free-kick earlier in the match.

Scaloni explained after the game that preserving key players for the demanding knockout schedule remains the priority.

Eyes on another World Cup triumph

Argentina now turn their attention to the knockout rounds, where every match becomes win-or-go-home. Should the defending champions reach the final, they will potentially play five matches in just over two weeks.

With Messi producing decisive moments even from the substitutes' bench, Argentina will head into the elimination rounds full of confidence as they continue their pursuit of another FIFA World Cup title.

SportsLigue