Lionel Messi breaks World Cup record as Argentina win

Lionel Messi scored a free kick to break another World Cup record as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 on June 28, 2026. Messi became the first player in history to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches, achieving this milestone with his sixth goal of the tournament. The win propelled Argentina to a perfect three wins from three in Group J.

Mousa Al Tamari scored for Jordan in the 55th minute, but Argentina's Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute, with Lautaro Martínez adding a penalty in the 31st minute. Messi sealed the victory with his late free kick.

This match marked Lautaro Martínez's first World Cup goal after nine appearances, elevating him to fourth on Argentina's all-time scoring list, where he joins legends Lionel Messi, Gabriel Batistuta, and Sergio Agüero.

Argentina's win against Jordan also emphasized their strong record against Asian teams, having now won six of their seven World Cup encounters with AFC nations, with their only loss being the notable defeat to Saudi Arabia in the 2022 World Cup opener.

Jordan made history as the first team to score in their first three World Cup matches since Côte d’Ivoire in 2006. This debut performance highlighted their competitive spirit despite the loss.

In the match, Argentina displayed impressive control, with goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez orchestrating an opening goal by guiding players for a successful free kick. Argentina became only the fourth team to score multiple direct free kicks in a single World Cup match, following Japan (2010), Yugoslavia (1974), and Brazil (1966).

Lionel Messi's successful free kick brought his total World Cup goals to 19, adding to his legacy. With Messi and Nicolás Otamendi both starting, Argentina fielded two players aged 38 or over in a single World Cup edition, the second team to do so after Brazil in 2022.

Giovani Lo Celso, making his World Cup debut after missing the previous editions, scored a goal and was named the player of the match.