Lionel Messi Becomes First Player to Score in Seven Straight World Cup Matches

Lionel Messi added another remarkable chapter to his legendary career on Saturday, becoming the first player in FIFA World Cup history to score in seven consecutive tournament matches as Argentina defeated Jordan national football team 3-1 to conclude the group stage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Messi, who started the match on the bench with Argentina already assured of top spot in Group J, entered the game in the second half and wasted little time making his mark. In the 80th minute, the 39-year-old curled a superb free kick into the net, sealing Argentina’s victory and setting a new World Cup record.

The goal was Messi’s 19th in FIFA World Cup history, extending his own all-time men’s World Cup scoring record. It also surpassed the previous mark of scoring in six consecutive World Cup matches, jointly held by France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho.

Argentina had already taken control of the contest before Messi’s introduction. Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring with a well-struck free kick in the first half before Lautaro Martínez doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Jordan conceded a foul inside the area.

Jordan responded early in the second half through Mousa Al-Tamari, whose goal briefly raised hopes of a comeback. However, Messi’s spectacular free kick restored Argentina’s two-goal advantage and ensured the defending champions completed the group stage with another convincing victory.

The remarkable scoring streak began during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where Messi found the net against Australia, the Netherlands, Croatia and twice in the final against France. He has carried that form into the 2026 tournament, scoring a hat-trick against Algeria, two goals against Austria and now the decisive strike against Jordan.

Messi’s latest milestone further strengthens his legacy as one of football’s greatest players. Now 39, the Argentine captain continues to deliver decisive performances on the sport’s biggest stage, defying expectations with his consistency and quality.

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni rested several regular starters ahead of the knockout stage but still watched his side dominate possession and create the better opportunities throughout the match. The victory ensured Argentina finished as Group J winners and maintained their unbeaten run in the tournament.

Attention now turns to the knockout rounds, where Argentina will continue their title defence. With Messi in record-breaking form and the squad displaying impressive depth, the South American giants remain among the favourites to lift the World Cup trophy once again.

For Jordan, the defeat brought an end to an encouraging World Cup campaign. Although they were unable to progress beyond the group stage, their appearance at the tournament marked another significant step in the nation’s football development.