Lionel Messi Makes World Cup History with Free Kick

ARLINGTON — Argentina closed out the group stage with a convincing win after Lionel Messi made World Cup history with a superb curling free kick. Coming on as a substitute, La Pulga sealed a 3-1 victory over Jordan and became the first player to score in seven straight World Cup matches. Argentina were in control from the opening minutes, even with heavy rotation.

The Group G finale at Arlington Stadium no longer carried much at stake for the Albiceleste. Lionel Scaloni’s team had already secured a place in the knockout rounds as group winners. That gave the coach room to rest his captain on the bench at kickoff and protect the superstar’s fitness.

Without Messi from the start, Argentina still dictated play with 68 percent possession in the first half. The opening goal came in the 19th minute from a beautiful set-piece. After a hard foul by Mohannad Abu Taha on Giovani Lo Celso just outside the box, the Real Betis midfielder stepped up and curled a shot into the top corner past Yazeed Abulaila.

First-half control and Lautaro’s penalty

Argentina’s pressure did not ease after the opener. Quick passing through midfield, driven by Alexis Mac Allister, left Jordan scrambling at the back. Lautaro Martínez nearly doubled the lead when his close-range effort crashed off the crossbar after a low cross from the right wing.

The loose ball led to another foul, this time by Nizar Al-Rashdan on Argentina defender Marcos Senesi inside the area. The referee pointed to the spot without hesitation after the infringement became clear in front of goal.

Lautaro Martínez kept his cool and converted the penalty in the 26th minute to make it 2-0. Jordan, already eliminated, tried to answer with quick counterattacks before halftime, but Argentina’s back line, led by Cristian Romero, stayed too strong to break down.

The second half slowed a little as Argentina shifted toward more control in midfield. The team briefly thought it had scored a third when Lautaro found the net again, but VAR ruled the goal out for a narrow offside. Not long after, the Inter Milan striker saw another effort denied by the post, sparing Jordan from a heavier defeat.

Lionel Messi’s instant spark off the bench

Jordan shocked the Arlington crowd in the 65th minute. From a quick transition, Ehsan Haddad delivered a sharp cross that Mousa Tamari met cleanly after slipping away from his marker, cutting the deficit to 2-1. The goal briefly lifted the Asian side and pushed them forward.

Sensing the game drifting, Scaloni sent Lionel Messi on for Julyán Álvarez. The move proved decisive. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner immediately steadied Argentina’s rhythm with his passing and calm presence.

The decisive moment came in the 70th minute, when Argentina won a free kick just outside Jordan’s penalty area. Messi stepped up and curled the ball over the wall, leaving Yazeed Abulaila rooted as it bent into the right corner. The stunning finish completed a 3-1 win and added another historic mark to World Cup records.

“We wanted to keep our winning rhythm and give minutes to some players who needed them. Leo always brings an instant impact, not only tactically but also psychologically for the team on the pitch,” Scaloni said after the match.

Argentina now turns to a far tougher challenge in the knockout stage. In the round of 32, Scaloni’s side is scheduled to face surprise package Cape Verde, who advanced as one of the best third-place teams.