Lionel Messi became the first player in history to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches on Saturday, netting a free kick in the 80th minute as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 to top Group J.
Messi, playing his first match since turning 39, came off the bench and scored his 19th career World Cup goal — extending his own all-time record. He has six goals in the 2026 tournament so far, two clear of Kylian Mbappé, Vinicius Júnior, and Erling Haaland.
The Record No One Has Reached Before
Before Sunday, only three players had ever scored in six consecutive World Cup games: France’s Just Fontaine, Brazil’s Jairzinho, and Messi himself. He moved past all of them with a single free kick. Seven straight World Cup games with a goal, across four different tournaments, is a number that has no precedent in the history of the competition.
His 19 career World Cup goals already stood as the all-time record. He added to it in the 80th minute with characteristic precision from a set piece, despite starting on the bench and coming on with the match already decided.
Argentina Finish Group Stage Unbeaten
Argentina topped Group J with nine points from three wins. Their attacking output has been consistent throughout — scoring across every game with a mix of starters and substitutes contributing. Messi’s role as a second-half weapon from the bench has been particularly effective, with five of his six goals in this tournament coming after the 60th minute.
Jordan put up a spirited fight before conceding three in the second half. The final 3-1 scoreline flatters Argentina slightly, but their control of the game was never seriously in doubt after the hour mark.
What Comes Next for Argentina
Argentina face Cape Verde in the Round of 32 on July 3 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. Cape Verde reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history, qualifying as runners-up from Group H on goal difference. They are not a pushover, but the gap in World Cup pedigree is significant.
If Argentina advance — which they are expected to do — Messi will have the chance to extend his record further in the Round of 16 and beyond. At his age and fitness level, each appearance carries more weight. He has made every one of them count so far.
Argentina face Cape Verde on July 3 in Miami — Messi enters that match as the tournament’s top scorer and the only player in history to have scored in seven consecutive World Cup games.
FYI (keeping you in the loop)
How many goals has Messi scored at the 2026 World Cup?
Messi has scored six goals at the 2026 World Cup, leading the tournament’s scoring charts. His 19 total career World Cup goals are the most in the history of men’s football.
References
Sky Sports Football. (2026). World Cup 2026: Jordan 1-3 Argentina — Lionel Messi breaks World Cup record by scoring in seventh game in a row. Published June 28, 2026.
NBC News. (2026). Messi becomes first to score in 7 straight World Cup games while extending goals record. Published June 28, 2026.
Olympics.com. (2026). FIFA World Cup 2026: Lionel Messi strikes for his sixth goal, extends World Cup goalscoring lead to 19. Published June 28, 2026.
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