Lionel Messi Sets New World Cup Record as Argentina Beats Jordan 3-1

Lionel Messi scored his sixth goal at the 2026 World Cup during Argentina's 3-1 victory over Jordan in their final group stage match in Dallas. Coach Lionel Scaloni fielded a largely second-string lineup with nine substitutes, bringing Messi on in the 60th minute. Messi's free-kick goal sealed the win and made him the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches, spanning four goals in 2022 and three in 2026. This goal also extended his all-time World Cup scoring record to 19.

Scaloni praised Messi for prioritizing team play by giving others minutes on the field, saying, "Leo could have added to his legend but chose to give his teammates playing time." Former England player Danny Murphy called Messi "amazing" and highlighted his intelligence and impact on the game during a BBC broadcast. Zlatan Ibrahimovic, commenting on Fox, joked that even if the goalkeeper could have done better on the free kick, "if it's Messi, mistakes are allowed."

Argentina was also pleased with contributions from other players, including Lautaro Martinez, who scored his first World Cup goal via a penalty, and substitutes Marcos Senesi and Giovani Lo Celso, who showed strong performances. Scaloni emphasized the importance of giving playing time to deserving squad members and expressed satisfaction with the team's overall effort.