Messi Scores Again as Argentina Beat Jordan and Set New World Cup Record
Lionel Messi came off the bench to score another historic goal as Argentina maintained their perfect start to the FIFA World Cup with a comfortable victory over Jordan in Dallas.
With Argentina having already secured top spot in Group J, head coach Lionel Scaloni rested several key players, including Messi, who started the match on the bench.
The loudest cheer of the night came in the 60th minute when Messi was introduced to the delight of the crowd. However, the excitement grew even louder 20 minutes later when the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner curled a brilliant low free-kick around the wall to score Argentina’s third goal.
The strike was Messi’s sixth goal of the tournament, putting him two goals clear in the race for the Golden Boot. It was also his record-extending 19th goal at the World Cup.
The goal added another remarkable achievement to Messi’s career, making him the first player ever to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.
Former England midfielder Danny Murphy praised the Argentine captain on BBC One.
“Simply incredible,” Murphy said. “He just impacts games. He’s so clever, so bright. He’s so aware of what’s going on around him. It’s an absolute pleasure to watch him do what he does.”
Earlier in the match, former Tottenham midfielder Giovani Lo Celso gave Argentina the lead with a superb free-kick into the top corner.
Striker Lautaro Martinez doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after a VAR review showed that defender Marcos Senesi had been accidentally kicked in the head while attempting to head the ball.
Jordan continued to battle and pulled a goal back 10 minutes into the second half through substitute Mousa Al Tamari. The forward finished off an excellent cross from Ehsan Haddad after starting the move himself.
The atmosphere inside the Dallas stadium became electric when Messi entered the pitch, and every touch from the Argentine legend was greeted with excitement before he delivered yet another memorable moment.
Argentina will now face World Cup debutants Cape Verde in the last 32 in Miami on Friday, 3 July, while Jordan’s campaign has come to an end.
