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Argentina finishes group stage unbeaten as Messi sets World Cup scoring record
Argentina topped Group J of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a perfect 9‑point record, beating Jordan 3‑1 in Dallas. Lionel Messi entered the match from the bench and scored a direct free‑kick, his 19th World Cup goal, making him the tournament’s all‑time leading scorer. The goal also made Messi the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches and added a second free‑kick of the tournament, placing him among the few players with multiple free‑kick goals in World Cup history.
The win secured Argentina’s unbeaten run through the group stage and set up a round‑of‑32 clash with Cape Verde in Miami. Coach Lionel Scaloni praised the squad’s depth, noting that several players, including Emiliano Martínez and Lautaro Martínez, contributed to the victory while maintaining the team’s defensive solidity. Messi’s choice to come on late was highlighted as a team‑first decision, reinforcing his leadership beyond personal milestones.
Argentina now looks ahead to the knockout phase, with the potential to face Brazil or England in the semifinals, while maintaining its status as a favorite to retain the title.