Messi Sets World Cup Scoring Streak Record as Argentina Beat Jord

With qualification already secured, the Group J clash at Dallas Stadium in the United States was largely a formality for the defending champions. Scaloni took the opportunity to rotate his squad heavily, meaning Argentina started a World Cup match without Messi for the first time in 20 years.

Despite the changes, Argentina dominated the opening half and went into the break with a comfortable two-goal lead before Messi added a historic third after being introduced in the second half.

Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a superb free-kick. After being fouled just outside the penalty area, the midfielder curled his effort into the top far corner, leaving Jordan goalkeeper with no chance despite positioning himself to protect the near post.

It was the first World Cup goal by an Argentine player other than Messi in this tournament. Argentina's previous five goals in their opening two matches had all been scored by the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

Argentina doubled their lead 11 minutes later from the penalty spot. Referee initially waved play on after Julian Alvarez was fouled while challenging for a header, but reversed his decision following a VAR review. Lautaro Martinez calmly converted the spot-kick to score his first goal of the tournament.

Argentina nearly grabbed a third in first-half stoppage time when Nicolas Otamendi met another Lo Celso free-kick with a powerful header, but his effort narrowly missed the target.

Jordan responded strongly after the restart and pulled one back in the 55th minute. Substitute Mousa Al-Tamari finished confidently from close range after meeting a low cross from the right.

Scaloni then introduced Messi in the 60th minute, replacing Lautaro Martinez. Giovani Lo Celso made way for Thiago Almada, while Alexis Mac Allister replaced Nico Paz in midfield.

Messi wasted little time making his mark. Fourteen minutes after coming on, he restored Argentina's two-goal advantage with a brilliant free-kick from outside the penalty area.

The goal saw Messi set a new World Cup record by scoring in seven consecutive World Cup matches. He had previously shared the record of six straight World Cup games with a goal alongside France's Just Fontaine (1958) and Brazil's Jairzinho (1970). His strike against Jordan moved him clear at the top of the list.

It was also Messi's 19th career World Cup goal, further extending his remarkable scoring record on football's biggest stage.

No further goals were scored as Argentina completed a perfect group-stage campaign with three wins from three matches and advanced to the Round of 32 with maximum nine points and strong momentum in their title defence.

MMR