Lionel Messi solidified his standing in international football history by becoming the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches, netting a goal during Argentina’s victory over Jordan. According to team manager Lionel Scaloni, the 39-year-old captain played 36 minutes as a substitute, yet his late-game performance secured the top spot on the all-time tournament scoring list with 19 career goals.
How did Messi impact the match against Jordan?
Despite entering the game in the 60th minute, Messi dictated the final flow of the match at Dallas Stadium. Argentina held a two-goal lead when he arrived, but the captain ensured the win with an 80th-minute freekick. By drilling a low strike around the defensive wall, Messi bypassed the goalkeeper and moved past the previous record of consecutive World Cup matches, a mark he previously shared with Brazil’s Jairzinho and France’s Just Fontaine.
Messi currently leads the scoring charts at this tournament with six goals, placing him ahead of rivals Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé, Vinícius Júnior, and Erling Haaland, all of whom trail by two goals.
Why is Argentina’s squad depth becoming a factor?
Argentina’s reliance on their captain decreased during the Jordan match, as other players stepped up to provide offensive production. Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute, followed by a 30th-minute penalty from Lautaro Martínez. According to coach Lionel Scaloni, those strikes were Argentina’s first goals of the tournament scored by players other than Messi. Scaloni noted that he intentionally rotated the squad, making nine changes from the side that beat Austria, to ensure his starters remained fresh for the knockout stages.
What does the path to the finals look like?
Following their group stage performance, Argentina will face tournament debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32. Cape Verde gained momentum by holding Spain and Uruguay to draws and eliminating the latter. Despite the challenge, Argentina enters the knockout rounds with a bolstered confidence, having tested their bench strength and successfully diversified their scoring threats beyond their captain.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many World Cup goals has Lionel Messi scored?
Lionel Messi has scored 19 career World Cup goals, making him the all-time leading scorer in the tournament’s history. - Who will Argentina play in the next round?
Argentina is set to face Cape Verde in the Round of 32 after Cape Verde advanced from their group. - Why was Messi on the bench against Jordan?
Manager Lionel Scaloni stated the decision was made to test the team’s bench strength and to allow his teammates to have time on the pitch and to save himself for what’s coming up.
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