Lionel Messi came off the bench to make history as the first player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches, helping Argentina to a 3-1 victory over Jordan.
With the defending champions already assured of top spot in Group J, coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to his starting lineup. The changes did little to disrupt Argentina’s dominance as they took a two-goal lead before halftime.
Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring with a superbly curled free-kick before Lautaro Martinez doubled the advantage from the penalty spot.
Jordan produced a memorable moment after the break when substitute Mousa Al-Tamari capped a flowing team move to reduce the deficit.
Scaloni then introduced Messi, and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner delivered the moment the crowd had been waiting for. His low free-kick wrong-footed the goalkeeper and found the bottom corner to restore Argentina’s two-goal cushion.
Now 39, Messi has scored six goals at this World Cup and a record 19 goals in the tournament overall. His strike against Jordan also made him the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.
Argentina will now turn their attention to the Round of 32, where they will face Cape Verde as they continue their bid to retain the World Cup title.
