Argentina (Rajeev Sharma): Lionel Messi continues to redefine football greatness, creating yet another World Cup milestone after scoring in his seventh consecutive match at the tournament. The Argentine superstar achieved the feat during his side’s final Group J clash against Jordan, adding another chapter to an already extraordinary international career.
Although rested at the start of the match, Messi made an immediate impact after coming on in the second half. The veteran forward calmly converted a stunning free-kick from just outside the penalty area, sending the ball into the corner of the net to leave the Jordan goalkeeper rooted to the spot.
The strike took Messi’s World Cup tally to 19 goals, further strengthening his status among the competition’s greatest-ever scorers. It also made him the first player in tournament history to score in seven successive World Cup appearances, surpassing the previous benchmark jointly held by French legend Just Fontaine and Brazilian icon Jairzinho.
The goal also marked another significant achievement in Messi’s remarkable career. It was his 72nd direct free-kick goal overall and the 12th from a free-kick for Argentina, highlighting his enduring brilliance from set-piece situations.
With the latest strike, Messi’s international record now stands at 123 goals in 202 matches, keeping him second on the all-time list of international scorers behind Cristiano Ronaldo.
Argentina had already secured qualification to the knockout stage before kickoff, prompting the coaching staff to leave Messi on the bench initially. Lautaro Martínez gave the South American champions the lead from the penalty spot before the captain entered the contest and produced another memorable moment for fans.
As Argentina advances confidently into the next phase of the tournament, Messi’s latest record once again underlines his ability to deliver on the biggest stage. Even at 39, the legendary forward continues to set new standards and reinforce his legacy as one of the greatest footballers the sport has ever witnessed.
