World Soccer.—In the matches that concluded the first phase of the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi once again stepped up to write another glorious chapter in his career, and Argentina finished with a perfect record of nine points after defeating Jordan 3-1.
The reigning world champions had already secured their spot in the Round of 16 on the second matchday with a 2-0 victory over Austria. And now, also at the spectacular Dallas Cowboys Stadium, they defeated Jordan 3-1 in a match that allowed Scaloni to test out some players he hadn’t used before, such as Giovani Lo Celso.
Argentina had taken the lead in the first half—without their star player, who had been benched—thanks to goals by Lo Celso and Lautaro Martínez.
In the second half, at the stadium—which resembled Buenos Aires’ Monumental due to the large number of Argentine fans who packed the venue—Jordan gave the team a scare with a goal by Mussa Al-Thaman in the 55th minute.
Lionel Messi made history once again.
Lionel Messi became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches, while also extending his all-time scoring record with his 19th goal during Argentina’s final group-stage match against Jordan on Saturday night.
Messi scored on a free kick in the 80th minute after being fouled just outside the penalty area.
The 39-year-old star was one of only three players to have scored in six consecutive World Cup matches, sharing that mark with the legendary French forward Just Fontaine and Brazilian legend Jairzinho.
What’s Next
Argentina will play its Round of 16 match on Friday, July 3, against the surprise team Cape Verde in Miami. Meanwhile, the other teams from its group that also advanced—Austria and Algeria, who drew 3-3 in a spectacular match—have also secured their next matches.
The Austrians will face Spain in Los Angeles on July 2, while the Algerians will take on Switzerland on the same day, but in Vancouver, Canada.
