Messi celebrates sixth goal of World Cup 2026
Lionel Messi came off the bench to make history once again as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 in Dallas, maintaining their perfect start to the FIFA World Cup.
With Argentina already assured of top spot in Group J, head coach Lionel Scaloni rested several key players, leaving Messi among the substitutes.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was introduced in the 60th minute to a thunderous ovation from the crowd.
Before Messi’s arrival, Giovani Lo Celso had given Argentina the lead with a stunning first-half free-kick before Lautaro Martinez doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after a VAR review awarded the South Americans a spot-kick.
Jordan refused to back down and pulled one back early in the second half through Mousa Al Tamari, who finished off a well-worked team move to briefly raise hopes of a comeback.
However, Messi quickly put the result beyond doubt with 10 minutes remaining, curling a trademark low free-kick around the defensive wall to restore Argentina’s two-goal cushion.
The strike was Messi’s sixth goal of the tournament, moving him two clear in the race for the Golden Boot.
It also extended his World Cup tally to a record 19 goals and made him the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.
Argentina comfortably saw out the closing stages to preserve their 100 percent record, while Messi’s latest landmark performance once again underlined his enduring influence on the world stage.