Messi becomes first player to score in seven straight World Cup games

ARLINGTON
June 28, 2026, 10:27 AM
by AP/UNB

UNB News
ARLINGTON
Publish- June 28, 2026, 10:27 AM
AP/UNB
Update- June 28, 2026, 10:50 AM

Messi becomes first player to score in seven straight World Cup games

Argentina captain Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring his team's third goal during the FIFA World Cup Group J match against Jordan in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, on June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Lionel Messi became the first player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches after netting in Argentina's final Group J game against Jordan on Saturday, extending his all-time tournament scoring record.

The 39-year-old scored his 19th World Cup goal in the 80th minute with a precise free kick after being fouled just outside the penalty area. His low strike slipped through two Jordan defenders and found the left corner of the net.

Messi to begin Argentina's final group match on bench, could feature as substitute

Photo: AP

The goal marked Messi's 72nd career free-kick goal and his 12th from a direct free kick for Argentina. He has now scored 123 international goals in 202 appearances, ranking second on the all-time list behind Cristiano Ronaldo, who has 145.

Photo: AP

Before Saturday's match, Messi shared the record of scoring in six consecutive World Cup games with former France striker Just Fontaine and Brazilian legend Jairzinho. His latest goal made him the first player to score in seven straight World Cup matches.

Photo: AP

Messi started the match on the bench as Argentina had already secured top spot in Group J and Jordan had been eliminated. He came on in the 60th minute in place of Lautaro Martinez, who had given Argentina the lead with a first-half penalty.