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Argentina Beats Jordan, Messi Sets World Cup Goal Record

6/29/2026

Summary

Messi Sets Record

Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 in the Group J finale at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Lionel Messi entered in the 60th minute, scored an 80th-minute low free-kick and reached 19 World Cup goals, the all-time record.
Giovani Lo Celso opened scoring with a direct free-kick and Lautaro Martínez converted a second-half penalty, his first World Cup goal in nine appearances.
Argentina will face Cape Verde on July 3 in Miami.

Summary

Messi’s Church

AT&T Stadium hit the 70,649-seat limit, with fans dubbing it a “Church of Messi.”
Fans chanted “Muchachos, ahora nos volvimos a ilusionar,” echoing Argentina’s 2022 World Cup anthem.
Supporters traveled from Arlington to Miami on July 3 and to Atlanta, forming a fan parade.
Messi’s “El último tango” boots were blessed at the Basilica of Our Lady of Luján.
Jordan midfielder Amer Jamous called his side’s goal a milestone for football.

Summary

Messi Plays Injured

Lionel Messi, 39, played the Jordan match despite a hamstring injury that limited his training.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni subbed Messi in the 60th minute to preserve his fitness for knockout stage.
Messi’s six goals lead the Golden Boot race, two ahead of Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior and Haaland.
Argentina could play five matches in a 17-day span if they reach the July 19 final.

Summary

Modric Sets Record

Luka Modric (Croatia) became the oldest Cup assist provider at 40 y 291 d, a record since 1966.
Petar Sucic (Croatia) scored from 27.4 m, the tournament’s second-longest goal and Croatia’s second-longest ever.
Harry Kane (England) reached 11 World Cup goals, tying Gary Lineker’s England record.
Panama finished the group stage 0-6, the first nation since 2010 to end without scoring.
Marko Arnautovic (Austria) became the fourth 37-plus player to score multiple Cup goals, joining Messi, Milla and Ronaldo.

History

Historical Context

In 1986 Diego Maradona captained Argentina to its second World Cup, scoring five goals and providing five assists, including the “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century” against England. Decades later the same nation relies on veteran talent, and in 2026 Lionel Messi surpassed Maradona’s tally with 19 World Cup goals, underscoring Argentina’s enduring star-driven approach.

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Messi Sets Record

Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1 in the Group J finale at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Lionel Messi entered in the 60th minute, scored an 80th-minute low free-kick and reached 19 World Cup goals, the all-time record.
Giovani Lo Celso opened scoring with a direct free-kick and Lautaro Martínez converted a second-half penalty, his first World Cup goal in nine appearances.
Argentina will face Cape Verde on July 3 in Miami.

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