Messi sets new World Cup scoring landmark as Argentina complete perfect group stage
TLE Desk: Lionel Messi became the first player in history to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches as defending champions Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 to finish the group stage with a perfect record on Saturday.
The 39-year-old captain, introduced as a second-half substitute, extended his all-time men’s World Cup scoring record to 19 goals with a trademark free-kick in the 80th minute, marking another milestone in an extraordinary international career.
Messi, who celebrated his 39th birthday earlier this week, curled a low free-kick through the defensive wall into the bottom corner after being fouled just outside the penalty area. The goal was his sixth of the tournament, leaving him two clear of France’s Kylian Mbappé, Brazil’s Vinícius Júnior and Norway’s Erling Haaland in the race for the Golden Boot.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni rested Messi from the starting line-up after La Albiceleste had already secured top spot in Group J before kick-off. Jordan had also been eliminated from knockout contention, allowing Scaloni to rotate his squad ahead of the last-32 stage.
Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a free-kick before Lautaro Martínez doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the first half. Messi sealed the victory after replacing Martínez in the 60th minute.
The goal also took Messi’s tally of direct free-kick goals to 72 in his career, including 12 for Argentina. He now has 123 international goals from 202 appearances, second only to Cristiano Ronaldo’s 145 on the all-time men’s international scoring list.
Scaloni praised his captain’s continuing influence but insisted the veteran was focused on the team’s ambitions rather than personal milestones.
“Today he could have played 90 minutes,” Scaloni said. “He wanted his teammates to have time on the pitch and also save himself for what’s coming next. He doesn’t think much about the numbers.”
Lo Celso highlighted Messi’s inspirational presence within the squad.
“Seeing him every day motivates everyone,” he said. “The form he is in is very important for us.”
More than 70,000 spectators packed the stadium, with fans chanting Messi’s name throughout the second half before erupting when he entered the pitch.
Argentina will begin their knockout campaign on July 3, aiming to retain the World Cup title they won in Qatar four years ago. With the expanded 48-team tournament, the reigning champions could play five more matches in 17 days if they reach the final on July 19.
