Argentina Defeat Jordan 3-1, Messi Reaches Another World Cup Milestone

Lionel Messi scored off the bench to set another World Cup record as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1.

Argentina maintained their perfect World Cup campaign with a comfortable 3-1 victory over Jordan in Dallas, as Lionel Messi came off the bench to score and set another tournament record.

With Argentina already assured of top spot in Group J, head coach Lionel Scaloni rotated his squad and left Messi among the substitutes. However, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner still made a decisive impact after being introduced in the 60th minute.

Messi wrapped up the victory 10 minutes from time, curling a low free-kick around the wall and into the net to restore Argentina’s two-goal advantage. The strike was his sixth of the tournament, moving him two clear at the top of the Golden Boot standings, while also extending his World Cup tally to a record 19 goals.

The goal also saw Messi become the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.

Argentina had taken the lead through Giovani Lo Celso, who scored a superb free-kick into the top corner in the first half. Lautaro Martínez doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after a video review showed Marcos Senesi had been kicked in the head while attempting a header.

Jordan briefly threatened a comeback early in the second half when Mousa Al Tamari finished off a well-worked move after excellent build-up play involving Ehsan Haddad, reducing the deficit to 2-1.

The atmosphere inside Dallas Stadium intensified when Messi entered the match, with supporters erupting every time he touched the ball. Their anticipation was rewarded when the Argentine captain delivered yet another trademark moment, sealing the win with his record-breaking free-kick.

The result ensured Argentina finished the group stage with a perfect record and continued their march into the knockout rounds as one of the tournament favourites.