Lionel Messi expressed his joy after solidifying his status as the definitive World Cup icon after guiding Argentina to a perfect group stage finish at the 2026 finals. The Inter Miami superstar came off the bench to secure a 3-1 victory over Jordan, ensuring the holders head into the knockout rounds with maximum momentum.
Having already secured their spot in the last 32, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni took the opportunity to rest his key players, including Messi. The holders joined Mexico and France as the only nations to emerge from the 2026 group stage with a 100 per cent record. Though Jordan were playing for pride in their debut tournament, they struggled to contain Argentina’s squad depth throughout the first half.
Giovani Lo Celso, who famously missed the 2022 triumph through injury, opened the scoring with a clever free-kick that caught the Jordan goalkeeper off guard. Lautaro Martinez then doubled the lead from the penalty spot after Marcos Senesi was fouled in a crowded box.
Despite starting on the bench, Messi needed just a cameo appearance to etch his name further into the record books. The Argentine captain was introduced in the 60th minute for Martinez and quickly left his mark on the contest held at the Dallas Stadium. With his clinical free-kick in the 80th minute, he became the first man to score in seven consecutive World Cup games, an unprecedented feat in the history of the competition.
Following the final whistle, the veteran expressed his pride on social media, telling fans: “One more victory to complete the group stage. We're still together…”
