Messi Sets New World Cup Record with Goal Against Jordan

Lionel Messi added another remarkable milestone to his illustrious career after coming off the bench to score in Argentina's 3-1 victory over Jordan, setting a new FIFA World Cup record.

For the first time in 20 years, Argentina began a World Cup match without Messi in the starting lineup. With the defending champions having already secured qualification for the knockout stage, head coach Lionel Scaloni rested his captain for the opening hour.

Messi was introduced shortly after the hour mark and made an immediate impact.

The Argentine superstar found the net with a superb free-kick from outside the penalty area, continuing his outstanding scoring form at the tournament. Having already scored five goals in Argentina's opening two matches, the strike against Jordan further strengthened his impressive tally.

More importantly, the goal saw Messi become the first player in World Cup history to score in seven consecutive matches.

Before Sunday's game, Messi had shared the record of six straight World Cup matches with a goal alongside France's Just Fontaine, who achieved the feat in 1958, and Brazil's Jairzinho, who matched it in 1970.

By scoring against Jordan, the Argentina captain moved clear of both legends, establishing a new World Cup record and adding yet another historic achievement to his glittering international career.

MMR