Lionel Messi etched another remarkable milestone into football history by becoming the first men's player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches. He achieved this during Argentina's flawless group-stage campaign at the 2026 tournament, coming off the bench to score a trademark free-kick in a 3-1 victory over Jordan at Arlington, Texas.
Record-breaking streak
Messi's streak began with a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina's opening Group J fixture, followed by a brace against Austria. Although rested for the start of the final group game against Jordan, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner entered in the 60th minute and curled a low free-kick past goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila in the 80th minute to extend his scoring sequence to seven successive World Cup appearances.
Messi also became the fourth player to score in all three group-stage matches of a single World Cup since the format was introduced in 1998, joining Cristiano Ronaldo (2018), David Villa (2010), and Fernando Torres (2010).
Goal tally and tournament lead
The strike took Messi's tally to 19 FIFA World Cup goals, extending his record as Argentina's all-time leading scorer in the tournament. He is the leading goal-scorer in the 2026 edition with six goals after the group stage.
Match details
Already assured of qualification, Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni rotated his side heavily against Jordan, making nine changes to the starting XI. Despite the reshuffle, the reigning champions dominated and secured a convincing 3-1 victory to finish top of Group J with a perfect record of three wins from three matches.
Giovani Lo Celso handed Argentina the lead in the 19th minute with a superb curling free-kick from around 20 yards that left Abulaila rooted to the spot. Argentina doubled their advantage shortly after the half-hour mark when a VAR review resulted in a penalty after Ihsan Haddad fouled Marcos Senesi inside the area. Lautaro Martinez calmly converted from the spot to register his maiden FIFA World Cup goal.
Jordan responded positively after the break and reduced the deficit in the 55th minute as Haddad delivered a dangerous low cross that Musa Al-Tamaari converted from close range. Scaloni then introduced Messi on the hour mark, and the veteran forward quickly made his presence felt, sealing the victory with his free-kick.
Upcoming fixtures
Argentina will now take on tournament debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 in Miami on July 4 (local time). Jordan's maiden World Cup campaign ended after three defeats, although they managed to score in each of their group-stage matches.
