Seventh heaven for Messi as Argentina maintain winning start

Lionel Messi continued to etch his name into World Cup history, becoming the first player to score in seven consecutive finals matches. His late free-kick sealed a 3-1 victory for a largely second-string Argentina side against Jordan in Dallas, marking their third straight win in Group J.

Manager Lionel Scaloni opted for significant squad rotation, making nine changes from the team that beat Austria. Goals from Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez, the latter from a penalty, put Argentina in control. Jordan pulled one back through Mousa Altamari early in the second half, but Messi's 80th-minute free-kick secured the win and a personal milestone, surpassing records held by France's Just Fontaine and Brazil's Jairzinho.

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The boys played a good match, we were able to give minutes to everyone and that makes us happy. Lo Celso couldn’t be in the previous World Cup, Lautaro hadn’t been able to score. We’re happy for them. Now the good part is coming.

"The boys played a good match, we were able to give minutes to everyone and that makes us happy," Scaloni said after the match. "Lo Celso couldn’t be in the previous World Cup, Lautaro hadn’t been able to score. We’re happy for them. Now the good part is coming."

Argentina will face Cape Verde in the round of 32, having navigated their group stage games with apparent ease. Jordan's Altamari acknowledged the experience gained, stating, "This was our first World Cup appearance, and it was a good experience for the players. We gained valuable experience, and hopefully it won’t be our last."

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This was our first World Cup appearance, and it was a good experience for the players. We gained valuable experience, and hopefully it won’t be our last.