Messi Shatters Jaw-Dropping World Cup Record as Argentina Demolishes Jordan

Argentina cruised past Jordan 3–1 to complete its 2026 World Cup group stage without breaking a sweat, though not before Lionel Messi etched yet another record into the history books.

Messi was kept on the bench initially as Giovani Lo Celso curled in a superb free kick and Lautaro Martínez doubled La Albiceleste's lead from the penalty spot.

However, when Mousa Al-Tamari pulled Jordan back into the game with a close-range finish, Lionel Scaloni sent Messi onto the pitch. With ten minutes remaining before stoppage time, Argentina's icon—aided by a deflection off Jordan's wall and goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila—netted only the second free-kick goal of his World Cup career, claiming his sixth strike of the group stage to surge ahead in the Golden Boot standings.

The goal also made Messi the first player in history to score in seven successive World Cup matches. Even in a dead-rubber fixture, Messi still found a way to cement his legend further.

Messi's 19th World Cup goal sealed a flawless group stage campaign for Argentina. The reigning champion stands among the tournament favorites, and their knockout stage run kicks off against Cabo Verde in the round of 32.

The Moment That Defined The Match

In a contest that had no real implications for either Argentina or Jordan's World Cup fate, the standout moment arrived when Lo Celso picked out the top corner 19 minutes into the game.

The midfielder has been a vital cog in the Scaloni era with Argentina, contributing significantly to both of La Albiceleste's Copa América triumphs, including providing the assist for Lautaro Martínez's decisive goal in the 2024 final.

But an injury sustained just weeks before the tournament meant Lo Celso missed out on the squad that claimed Argentina's third World Cup title at Qatar 2022. Four years prior, Jorge Sampaoli made the controversial call to exclude the then-Paris Saint-Germain midfielder from Argentina's 2018 World Cup roster.

His participation in 2026 was in doubt as fitness problems hampered him throughout the season at Real Betis. Scaloni held out for him until the very last moment, and Lo Celso managed to get himself fit. Finally, the 30-year-old made his long-awaited World Cup debut, curling in a stunning free kick that was met with jubilant celebrations from the entire Argentina squad.

The inconsequential fixture gave Scaloni the opportunity to shuffle his lineup, and Lo Celso was the standout beneficiary, finally claiming his moment on the grandest stage of all.

Argentina Player Ratings vs. Jordan (4-4–2)

*Ratings Provided by FotMob*

GK: Emiliano Martínez—6.3: Was rarely put under pressure until he got a hand to but was beaten by Al-Tamari's tap-in. Composed in possession.

RB: Exequiel Palacios—7.6: The Bayer Leverkusen player operated out of his natural position but was impeccable. He pushed forward consistently and linked up well with midfielders while managing his defensive responsibilities with ease.

CB: Nicolás Otamendi—7.5: A routine outing for Argentina's defensive cornerstone, who had little trouble dealing with a toothless attack.

CB: Marcos Senesi—7.4: Dependable at the back and bravely threw himself into a header that didn't find the net, but he did earn a penalty that Martínez converted. A solid World Cup debut.

LB: Nicolás Tagliafico—6.9: The positive is that he completed a full match after beginning the tournament on the treatment table. The negative is that he still appears quite ring-rusty.

RM: Giuliano Simeone—6.6: Charged relentlessly down the right side, frequently getting past his marker only to be let down by wayward deliveries.

CM: Nico Paz—7.1: Showed glimpses of the creative quality that has made him one of European football's most exciting emerging talents. Nevertheless, his display felt somewhat teasing, with little end product to show for it.

CM: Leandro Paredes—6.9: Could have set up one of the tournament's best assists had Martínez timed his run more precisely. He then failed to track a runner in behind, which led directly to Jordan's goal.

LM: Giovani Lo Celso—7.7: A breathtaking free kick to break the deadlock on his World Cup debut—aided by a truly woeful attempt from Jordan's goalkeeper.

ST: Julián Alvarez—6.5: Perhaps the ongoing and heavily scrutinized transfer saga surrounding him is taking a toll, as it has been a subdued tournament for Alvarez thus far. The ankle injury he picked up late in the season may also still be playing on his mind.

ST: Lautaro Martínez—8.2: Came agonizingly close with a cleverly disguised finish that rattled the crossbar. Fortunately, the entire sequence ended with a penalty that he coolly converted to score his first ever World Cup goal.

SUB: Alexis Mac Allister (60' for Paz)—6.9: Being on the receiving end of what appeared to be a very painful challenge was the defining moment of his brief appearance.

SUB: Thiago Almada (60' for Lo Celso)—6.4: Content to keep things simple and circulate possession while waiting for the clock to wind down.

SUB: Lionel Messi (60' for L. Martínez)—7.7: You always sensed he would find a way to make the ticket price worthwhile for supporters inside AT&T Stadium.

SUB: Valentín Barco (71' for Simeone)—6.6: Gave away possession on a few straightforward passes on his World Cup debut—likely a case of nerves.

SUB: José Manuel López (82' for Alvarez)—N/A

Subs not used: Gerónimo Rulli (GK), Juan Musso (GK), Gonzalo Montiel, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Facundo Medina, Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernández, Nicolás González.

What the Ratings Tell Us

The Numbers That Explain Argentina's Comfortable Win

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