Lionel Messi etched his name into FIFA World Cup history on Saturday by becoming the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches, helping Argentina defeat Jordan 3-1 and maintain their winning run in Group J.
Despite making nine changes to the side that defeated Austria, Argentina secured a comfortable victory through goals from Giovani Lo Celso, Lautaro Martinez and substitute Messi to finish the group stage on a high.
Already eliminated from the tournament, Jordan struggled to contain Argentina's attacking pressure in the opening half.
Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a superb left-footed free kick from 20 metres after being fouled by Mohannad Abutaha.
Argentina doubled their lead 12 minutes later when Lautaro Martinez converted a penalty after a VAR review ruled that Leandro Paredes had been kicked in the head by Nizar Alrashdan while challenging for the ball.
Martinez calmly sent goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila the wrong way to make it 2-0.
Jordan pull one back
Argentina continued to create chances after the break, with Martinez striking the woodwork from long range.
Jordan reduced the deficit in the 55th minute when captain Ehsan Haddad delivered a low cross from the right for substitute Mousa Altamari to finish, handing goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez his first goal conceded at the 2026 World Cup.
Messi reaches historic milestone
Messi entered the match to a standing ovation just after the hour mark and made an immediate impact.
The Argentine captain was fouled around 25 metres from goal in the 80th minute before calmly converting the resulting free kick.
His low effort curled around the defensive wall and beat Abulaila, making Messi the first player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches.
The goal also moved him ahead of France's Just Fontaine and Brazil's Jairzinho in the tournament record books for consecutive World Cup scoring appearances.
Argentina march into knockout stage
The victory ensured Argentina continued their impressive form despite fielding a largely rotated squad.
Head coach Lionel Scaloni rested several regular starters but still watched his side dominate possession and create the majority of the scoring opportunities.
Argentina will now face Cape Verde in the Round of 32, while Jordan exit the tournament after finishing their campaign without progressing beyond the group stage.
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