ARLINGTON, Texas — Lionel Messi came off the bench to extend his World Cup scoring record and become the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 on Saturday to complete a perfect group-stage campaign.The 39-year-old captain, who started on the bench after Argentina had already secured top spot in Group J, marked his first appearance since his birthday with a trademark free-kick in the 80th minute to score his 19th career World Cup goal.Messi curled a low effort through a gap in the Jordan wall and into the bottom corner after winning a free kick just outside the penalty area, stretching his all-time tournament scoring record.The goal also took his tally to six at the 2026 World Cup, moving him two clear of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race.”What you’re seeing, I’m seeing the same thing,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said when asked about Messi’s latest milestone. “It’s a little bit of an uncomfortable situation every single time people ask because I no longer know what to say.”Messi’s latest strike made him the first player in World Cup history to score in seven consecutive matches, surpassing the previous mark of six that he had shared with Just Fontaine and Jairzinho.It was also the 72nd free-kick goal of Messi’s career and his 12th for Argentina. He has now scored 123 international goals in 202 appearances, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo’s record tally of 145.With qualification already secured, Scaloni rotated his squad and left Messi on the bench until the 60th minute, when he replaced Lautaro Martínez to a thunderous ovation from the 70,649 fans inside AT&T Stadium.The Argentina supporters had been chanting Messi’s name throughout the second half before erupting as he entered the pitch.Lautaro Martínez had earlier opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Giovani Lo Celso doubled the lead with a first-half free kick, becoming the first Argentina player other than Messi to score for the defending champions in the tournament.”I am very happy for him, for the moment he is having,” Lo Celso said. “The truth is that seeing him every day excites and inspires everyone. Seeing him like that is very important for us.”Jordan pulled a goal back before Messi sealed the victory with his record-extending strike, ensuring Argentina finished the group stage with three wins from three matches.The reigning world champions head into the knockout rounds with maximum points after victories over Algeria, Austria and Jordan.Messi had entered the tournament managing a minor hamstring issue but has shown no signs of discomfort, with Scaloni confirming his captain was fit enough to play a full match.”Today he could have played 90 minutes,” Scaloni said. “He wanted his teammates to have time on the pitch and to save himself for what’s coming next. He doesn’t think so much about the numbers people are talking about.”Argentina will begin its round-of-32 campaign next Friday in South Florida as it continues its bid to retain the World Cup title.
ARLINGTON, Texas — Lionel Messi came off the bench to extend his World Cup scoring record and become the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 on Saturday to complete a perfect group-stage campaign.The 39-year-old captain, who started on the bench after Argentina had already secured top spot in Group J, marked his first appearance since his birthday with a trademark free-kick in the 80th minute to score his 19th career World Cup goal.Messi curled a low effort through a gap in the Jordan wall and into the bottom corner after winning a free kick just outside the penalty area, stretching his all-time tournament scoring record.The goal also took his tally to six at the 2026 World Cup, moving him two clear of Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Erling Haaland in the Golden Boot race.”What you’re seeing, I’m seeing the same thing,” Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said when asked about Messi’s latest milestone. “It’s a little bit of an uncomfortable situation every single time people ask because I no longer know what to say.”Messi’s latest strike made him the first player in World Cup history to score in seven consecutive matches, surpassing the previous mark of six that he had shared with Just Fontaine and Jairzinho.It was also the 72nd free-kick goal of Messi’s career and his 12th for Argentina. He has now scored 123 international goals in 202 appearances, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo’s record tally of 145.With qualification already secured, Scaloni rotated his squad and left Messi on the bench until the 60th minute, when he replaced Lautaro Martínez to a thunderous ovation from the 70,649 fans inside AT&T Stadium.The Argentina supporters had been chanting Messi’s name throughout the second half before erupting as he entered the pitch.Lautaro Martínez had earlier opened the scoring from the penalty spot before Giovani Lo Celso doubled the lead with a first-half free kick, becoming the first Argentina player other than Messi to score for the defending champions in the tournament.”I am very happy for him, for the moment he is having,” Lo Celso said. “The truth is that seeing him every day excites and inspires everyone. Seeing him like that is very important for us.”Jordan pulled a goal back before Messi sealed the victory with his record-extending strike, ensuring Argentina finished the group stage with three wins from three matches.The reigning world champions head into the knockout rounds with maximum points after victories over Algeria, Austria and Jordan.Messi had entered the tournament managing a minor hamstring issue but has shown no signs of discomfort, with Scaloni confirming his captain was fit enough to play a full match.”Today he could have played 90 minutes,” Scaloni said. “He wanted his teammates to have time on the pitch and to save himself for what’s coming next. He doesn’t think so much about the numbers people are talking about.”Argentina will begin its round-of-32 campaign next Friday in South Florida as it continues its bid to retain the World Cup title.
