Lionel Messi made more FIFA World Cup history after becoming the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 to complete a perfect Group J campaign.
The 39-year-old captain started on the bench before coming on in the second half and curled home a superb free-kick in the 80th minute, extending his record-breaking World Cup tally to 19 goals. The strike surpassed the previous mark of six consecutive World Cup scoring matches shared by France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho. Reuters reported that Messi’s scoring streak began during Argentina’s 2022 World Cup victory over Australia and has continued through the current tournament.
Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez also scored for the reigning champions, while Jordan pulled one goal back through Yazan Al-Naimat. Argentina finished top of Group J with three wins from three matches and will face Cape Verde in the Round of 32.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni praised Messi’s relentless excellence, saying the forward remains focused on helping the team rather than chasing personal milestones.