Lionel Messi made history once again by scoring in seven consecutive World Cup games, a first for any player. In Argentina’s 3-1 win over Jordan during the group stage finale held in Arlington, Texas, the soccer legend added his 19th World Cup goal.
Messi, who celebrated his 39th birthday three days earlier, scored in the 80th minute. A precise free kick after a foul just outside the penalty area found the net. The shot, skimming low over the grass, squeezed between two Jordan defenders into the left corner. This marked his 72nd career free kick goal, with 12 for Argentina.
With 123 goals in 202 international matches, Messi comes second only to Cristiano Ronaldo in international goals, who has 145. Until now, only France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho matched Messi’s streak of scoring in six World Cup games.
“What you’re seeing, I’m seeing the same thing,” coach Lionel Scaloni said through a translator. “It’s a little bit of an uncomfortable situation every single time people ask because I no longer know what to say.”
Messi’s notable performance places him among an elite group since 1966 who have scored two free kick goals in World Cup tournaments. He joins legends like Pelé, Rivellino, and David Beckham. Argentina’s Giovani Lo Celso expressed pride after contributing another goal with a free kick in the 19th minute.
“I am very happy for him, for the moment he is having,” Lo Celso remarked. “Seeing him every day excites and inspires us all. It’s invaluable for our team morale.”
Although Argentina had secured the top spot in Group J, fans still clamored to see their hero. The pro-Argentina crowd of 70,649 at the Dallas Cowboys’ stadium eagerly awaited his debut. Chants of his name filled the stadium as soon as the second half began.
Messi replaced Lautaro Martinez, who converted a penalty in the first half. At 60 minutes into the game, Messi was celebrated by the crowd as he entered the pitch.
Despite his illustrious career and multiple Ballon d’Or awards, Messi has not yet secured a World Cup golden boot. Currently leading the tournament with six goals, he maintains a two-goal lead over Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Júnior, and Erling Haaland.
Previously dealing with a minor hamstring injury while playing for Inter Miami, Messi decided to play conservatively. Coach Scaloni noted Messi’s willingness to allow teammates more playing time, saving his energy for upcoming knockout rounds.
“Today he could have played 90 minutes,” Scaloni commented. “He wanted his teammates to have time on the pitch and to save himself also for what’s coming up now. He doesn’t think so much about the numbers that people are talking about.”
Argentina prepares for the knockout round, which begins Friday in South Florida, marking the start of a five-match journey should they reach the final on July 19.