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Messi Sets Scoring Record as Nations Advance in World Cup

6/29/2026

30 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Messi Sets Scoring Record

Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 as Lionel Messi set a seven-tournament scoring record, while England won 2-0 over Panama, where Harry Kane recorded his 11th goal.
Croatia qualified after a 2-1 win over Ghana, when Luka Modric became the oldest assist provider.
Austria and Algeria drew 3-3 with a 96th-minute equaliser by Sasa Kalajdzic, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo reached knockout stage first-time after a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.

Summary

Lo Celso Scores

Giovanni Lo Celso scored a free-kick, becoming the Argentine besides Lionel Messi to net at World Cup.
Lionel Scaloni left Lionel Messi on bench until 60th minute to protect his fitness after a hamstring issue.
He rested midfielders Enzo Fernández, Alexis Mac Allister and Rodrigo De Paul.
He fielded Giovanni Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes and Exequiel Palacios, keeping XI for the round-of-32 clash with Cabo Verde and giving players game time.

History

Historical Context

In 2014 Germany’s Miroslav Klose scored his 16th World Cup goal in the 7-1 semi-final win over Brazil, surpassing Brazil’s Ronaldo as the tournament’s all-time scorer. By 2026 Argentina’s Lionel Messi had extended that record to 19 goals, the most in World Cup history. These milestones show how individual scoring feats have continually reset the tournament’s benchmarks.

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Messi Sets Scoring Record

Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 as Lionel Messi set a seven-tournament scoring record, while England won 2-0 over Panama, where Harry Kane recorded his 11th goal.
Croatia qualified after a 2-1 win over Ghana, when Luka Modric became the oldest assist provider.
Austria and Algeria drew 3-3 with a 96th-minute equaliser by Sasa Kalajdzic, while the Democratic Republic of the Congo reached knockout stage first-time after a 3-1 win over Uzbekistan.

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