Lionel Messi etched his name deeper into World Cup history after scoring in Argentina’s 3-1 victory over Jordan, setting another remarkable tournament record during the Group J clash in Dallas.
With Argentina already guaranteed top spot in the group, head coach Lionel Scaloni left Messi on the bench at kick-off. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was introduced in the 60th minute to a standing ovation from thousands of fans eager to see their captain in action.
The biggest moment of the night arrived 20 minutes later when Messi curled a trademark low free-kick around Jordan’s defensive wall and into the bottom corner, sealing Argentina’s third goal and the victory.
The strike took Messi’s tally at the 2026 FIFA World Cup to six goals, placing him two clear at the top of the Golden Boot standings. It also became his record-extending 19th World Cup goal and made him the first footballer in history to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.
Argentina had already established control before Messi entered the game. Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring with a superbly taken free-kick, while Lautaro Martínez doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after a VAR review ruled that defender Marcos Senesi had been kicked in the head while attempting to head the ball inside the box.
Jordan, however, refused to give up and reduced the deficit early in the second half. Mousa Al Tamari finished off a well-crafted attacking move after meeting an excellent cross from Ehsan Haddad to make it 2-1 and briefly raise hopes of a comeback.
Messi’s arrival injected fresh energy into the match, with every touch from the Argentine captain drawing loud cheers from the crowd. He eventually delivered the moment supporters had been waiting for by converting another superb free-kick to put the result beyond doubt and complete Argentina’s flawless group-stage campaign.
The reigning world champions finished the group stage with a perfect record and will now turn their attention to the Round of 32, where they are scheduled to face Cape Verde on Friday, July 3, in a highly anticipated knockout encounter.
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