Lionel Messi scores seventh straight World Cup match, sets multiple records

Lionel Messi entered the Argentina‑Jordan group‑stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a substitute in the 60th minute and scored a free‑kick in the 80th minute, completing a 1‑3 victory that put Argentina top of Group A with nine points. The goal was Messi’s sixth of the tournament, raising his World Cup tally to 19 – the most ever, overtaking Germany’s Miroslav Klose – and giving him the record for the most goals in World Cup finals history (19) and the most assists (8), matching Maradona.

The strike also made Messi the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches, a streak that began at Qatar 2022 and continues through the 2026 group stage. He became the first player since 1994 to net six goals in a single tournament’s group phase and added to his career records for most appearances (29), most wins (19) and most matches with a goal (14). Argentina’s win secured qualification for the knockout round, while Jordan were eliminated.

Messi’s performance was highlighted by media outlets as a continuation of his historic World Cup legacy, emphasizing his unique combination of longevity, scoring consistency and record‑breaking achievements.