Record-Breaking Messi Sets New World Cup Milestones As Argentina Beat Jordan 3-1

Lionel Messi added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career by breaking more FIFA World Cup records as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 to complete the group stage with a perfect record and head into the knockout rounds in ominous form.

The Argentina captain started Saturday’s Group J encounter on the bench after the reigning champions had already secured top spot, but his introduction in the 60th minute sparked the loudest roar of the evening from the packed crowd in Dallas.

Messi did not disappoint.

With 10 minutes remaining, the 39-year-old curled a trademark low free-kick around the defensive wall and beyond the goalkeeper to seal Argentina’s victory, extending his extraordinary run of goals at the tournament.

The strike was his sixth of this World Cup, moving him two clear of the chasing pack in the race for the Golden Boot. More significantly, it was his record-extending 19th World Cup goal, further cementing his status as the competition’s greatest goalscorer.

The goal also saw Messi become the first player in World Cup history to score in seven consecutive matches, another landmark in a career already overflowing with records.

Former England midfielder Danny Murphy hailed the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s influence during the BBC’s coverage.

“Simply incredible. He just impacts games,” Murphy said.

“He’s so clever, so bright. He’s so aware of what’s going on around him. It’s an absolute pleasure to watch him do what he does.”

Although rested from the starting line-up, Messi once again became the centre of attention after Argentina had already established control of the contest.

A heavily rotated side took the lead through Giovani Lo Celso, who bent a superb free-kick into the top corner midway through the first half.

Lautaro Martínez doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after a VAR review showed defender Marcos Senesi had been kicked in the head while attempting a diving header inside the area.

Jordan briefly threatened a comeback early in the second half when Mousa Al Tamari finished off a flowing team move after excellent work from Ehsan Haddad.

Moments later, the atmosphere inside the stadium reached another level as Messi emerged from the bench.

Every touch from the Argentine icon was greeted with anticipation, and it was only a matter of time before he produced another moment of magic.

His brilliantly executed free-kick not only restored Argentina’s two-goal cushion but also etched his name even deeper into World Cup history.

Argentina completed the group stage with maximum points after victories over Algeria, Austria and Jordan, with Messi scoring all six of his team’s goals in the three matches.

The holders now turn their attention to a last-32 meeting with World Cup debutants Cape Verde, carrying both perfect momentum and the confidence inspired by a captain who continues to rewrite football’s record books.

At 39, Messi remains the driving force behind Argentina’s quest to become the first nation since Brazil in 1962 to successfully defend the FIFA World Cup title. His latest record-breaking display suggests the reigning champions remain firmly on course for another historic campaign.