Lionel Messi became the first player in World Cup history to score in seven consecutive matches as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 to complete their Group J campaign with another commanding victory.

With the reigning champions already assured of top spot in the group, coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his starting lineup. However, Argentina’s dominance remained intact as Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez gave La Albiceleste a comfortable two-goal advantage before halftime.

Lo Celso opened the scoring with a beautifully curled free-kick, while Martinez doubled the lead from the penalty spot as Argentina controlled possession and dictated the tempo throughout the opening period.

Jordan produced a memorable moment after the break when substitute Mousa Al-Tamari finished off an excellent team move to reduce the deficit and briefly raise hopes of a comeback.

But the biggest moment of the night arrived when Scaloni introduced Messi from the bench.

The 39-year-old forward needed little time to leave his mark, curling a low free-kick beyond the goalkeeper to score his sixth goal of the tournament and his 19th overall World Cup goal. The strike also established a new World Cup record, making Messi the first player to score in seven consecutive matches at the tournament.

The latest milestone further strengthens Messi’s remarkable legacy, with the Argentine captain continuing to produce decisive moments despite approaching his 40th birthday.

Argentina, however, remains focused on defending the title they won four years ago. Having finished top of Group J, Scaloni’s side will now face Cape Verde in the Round of 32 as they continue their quest for another World Cup crown.

For Jordan, despite the defeat, Al-Tamari’s goal provided a memorable moment against one of football’s greatest nations, while Argentina marches into the knockout stages with their captain still rewriting the history books.