Lionel Messi once again made history after coming off the bench to score in Argentina’s comfortable victory over Jordan, helping the defending champions maintain their perfect start to the FIFA World Cup.

With Argentina already assured of top spot in Group J, head coach Lionel Scaloni opted to rest several key players, leaving Messi among the substitutes. However, the captain received a thunderous reception when he entered the match in the 60th minute at Dallas Stadium.

The loudest cheers of the night came 20 minutes later when Messi curled a superb free-kick around the defensive wall and into the bottom corner, sealing Argentina’s victory in style.

The goal was Messi’s sixth of the tournament, moving him two goals clear of his closest rivals in the race for the Golden Boot. It also marked his 19th career FIFA World Cup goal, extending his own tournament scoring record.

In another remarkable achievement, the former Barcelona star became the first player in history to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches, adding another milestone to his legendary career.

Earlier in the match, Giovani Lo Celso gave Argentina the lead with a brilliantly struck free-kick that found the top corner. Lautaro Martínez doubled the advantage from the penalty spot after a VAR review determined that Marcos Senesi had been kicked in the head while attempting to head the ball.

Jordan refused to surrender and pulled a goal back early in the second half through Mousa Al Tamari, who finished an excellent team move after a precise cross from Ehsan Haddad.

The atmosphere inside Dallas Stadium reached another level when Messi entered the field, with fans eagerly anticipating a trademark moment from the Argentine icon. Their patience was rewarded as the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner delivered another memorable goal to cap another impressive team performance.

Speaking on BBC One, former England midfielder Danny Murphy praised Messi’s influence on the game, describing him as “simply incredible” and highlighting his intelligence, awareness, and ability to change matches whenever he steps onto the pitch.

Argentina now heads into the knockout stage full of confidence, with Messi continuing to break records and lead his country in pursuit of another World Cup title.