Lionel Messi rewrites World Cup record books

Lionel Messi etched his name even deeper into FIFA World Cup history by becoming the first player ever to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.

The 39-year-old came off the bench to score a stunning free-kick as Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 to complete a perfect Group J campaign with three wins from three.

Messi’s sublime strike, his sixth goal of the 2026 World Cup, also extended his lead in the Golden Boot race to two goals.

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Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez scored Argentina’s other goals as the reigning champions advanced to the Round of 16 with a 100 per cent record.

A record-breaking streak

Messi’s historic run began at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar when he scored against Australia in the Round of 16. He then found the net against the Netherlands and Croatia before scoring twice in the dramatic final against France to inspire Argentina to the title.

He has continued that remarkable form in 2026, scoring in each of Argentina’s three group-stage matches to extend his streak to an unprecedented seven consecutive World Cup games.

In doing so, Messi broke the record he had previously shared with France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho, who each scored in six successive World Cup matches.

Another milestone for the GOAT

Already regarded by many as the greatest player in football history, Messi also extended his record as the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer.

After netting twice against Austria to take his tally to 18 goals, the Argentine captain made it 19 with a spectacular 25-metre free-kick against Jordan in the 80th minute.

The curling effort flew over the wall and beyond the goalkeeper to seal Argentina’s victory and another historic milestone in Messi’s extraordinary career.

Overall, Messi has scored 13 goals in his last 10 World Cup appearances and 8 in his last 4 matches, underscoring his enduring influence on football’s biggest stage.

With the knockout rounds now underway, the question is no longer whether Messi will break more records, but how many more he can add before Argentina’s title defence comes to an end.