Lionel Messi Breaks Another World Cup Record In Argentina’s Win Over Jordan

Lionel Messi added another chapter to his remarkable World Cup story after coming off the bench to score in Argentina’s 3-1 win over Jordan, setting yet another tournament record in Dallas.

With Argentina already assured of top spot in Group J, Messi was rested at kick-off and only entered the match in the 60th minute to a thunderous ovation. The loudest cheer of the night, however, came 20 minutes later when the captain curled a low free-kick around the wall and into the net to seal the win.

The goal took Messi’s tally at the tournament to six, leaving him two clear at the top of the Golden Boot race. It was also his record-extending 19th World Cup goal and made him the first player ever to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.

Argentina had already taken control before Messi’s arrival. Giovani Lo Celso broke the deadlock with a superb free-kick before Lautaro Martinez powered home a penalty after a video review confirmed Marcos Senesi had been kicked in the head while attempting to head the ball.

Jordan refused to fold and cut the deficit early in the second half when Mousa Al Tamari finished off a well-worked move after Ehsan Haddad’s inviting cross.

Messi’s introduction lifted the atmosphere inside the stadium, with every touch greeted by anticipation. He eventually gave the crowd the moment they had been waiting for, bending home another trademark free-kick to cement Argentina’s perfect group-stage campaign.

Messi’s Argentina will face Cape Verde in the World Cup round of 32 at 11 p.m. on Friday, July 3.