World Cup 2026: Messi Sets Record in Argentina Win

Argentina ended the World Cup 2026 group stage with another impressive win. They defeated Jordan 3-1 in the final Group J match. As a result, the defending champions finished with nine points from three games.

Lionel Messi began the match on the bench. However, he still became the biggest star of the night. The captain scored a brilliant free kick and set another World Cup record.

Watch the match highlights at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M6mpXtMm93M&list=PLBRLtDhTHh5o&index=27

Match result

Argentina 3-1 Jordan

Goals

Giovani Lo Celso (19′)
Lautaro Martinez (31′, penalty)
Lionel Messi (80′)
Musa Al-Taamari (55′)

Argentina control the first half

Argentina looked comfortable from the opening whistle. They kept the ball well and attacked with patience. Meanwhile, Jordan stayed deep. Most of their players defended close to their own box. As a result, Argentina created chance after chance.

The opening goal arrived in the 19th minute.

Photo: Reuters

Giovani Lo Celso stepped up for a free kick. He curled the ball over the wall and into the far corner. The goalkeeper could not reach it. Argentina continued to press.

Soon after, the referee reviewed a challenge with VAR. The replay showed a foul inside the penalty area. Therefore, Argentina received a penalty.

Lautaro Martinez stayed calm. He sent the goalkeeper the wrong way and made it 2-0 in the 31st minute.

Jordan struggled to respond. Argentina controlled possession until halftime and deserved their two-goal lead.

Photo: Reuters

Jordan respond after the break

Jordan played much better in the second half. They pushed higher up the pitch and attacked with greater confidence. As a result, Argentina faced more pressure.

Their efforts were rewarded in the 55th minute. Musa Al-Taamari finished a quick team move with a low shot. His goal reduced the score to 2-1.

For a few minutes, Jordan believed they could complete a comeback. However, Argentina remained calm.

Photo: AP.

Messi makes an instant impact

Lionel Messi entered the match in the 60th minute. He replaced Nico Paz and immediately changed the game.

Every attack began to flow through Messi. In addition, Jordan had to send several defenders to stop him. This created more space for Argentina’s other attackers.

Messi controlled the tempo with his passing. He also kept the Jordan defense under constant pressure.

Finally, he produced another magical moment.

Photo: AP.

A brilliant free kick seals the win

Argentina won a free kick in the 80th minute. Messi stood over the ball with confidence.

He curled the shot over the wall and into the top corner. The goalkeeper could only watch as the ball flew into the net.

The goal made it 3-1 and ended Jordan’s hopes of a comeback.

Moreover, the strike gave Messi another place in the history books.

Photo: AP.

Messi sets another World Cup record

Messi’s goal was his 19th in World Cup history. That is another incredible achievement for the Argentina captain. Even more importantly, he became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.

In addition, Messi now leads the World Cup 2026 Golden Boot race with six goals.

Although he played only the final 30 minutes, he was still the biggest difference-maker on the field.

Photo: AP.

Argentina finish the group stage in style

After Messi’s goal, Argentina slowed the game down. They kept possession and limited Jordan’s chances.

Jordan continued to fight. However, they could not break through Argentina’s solid defense again.

When the final whistle arrived, Argentina had completed a perfect group stage. They won all three matches and looked ready for the knockout rounds.

Furthermore, several attacking players found good form. Lo Celso, Lautaro Martinez, and Messi all scored against Jordan. That gives coach Lionel Scaloni many options going forward.

Jordan exit with valuable experience

Jordan leave the tournament without a point. Even so, they showed determination throughout the match.

Their second-half performance was much stronger than the first. Musa Al-Taamari also gave fans a memorable moment with his well-taken goal.

Although the result was disappointing, Jordan gained valuable experience by facing one of the world’s strongest teams.

Argentina prepare for the Round of 32

Argentina finished first in Group J with nine points. Therefore, they advanced comfortably to the Round of 32.

Their next opponent will be Cape Verde on July 4.

Argentina will enter that match as the favorite. However, knockout football is always unpredictable. Therefore, Lionel Scaloni’s team must stay focused.

If Messi continues this form, Argentina will remain one of the strongest teams in the race for the World Cup 2026 title.