29 June,2026 09:20 AM IST | Arlington (USA) | Agencies
Argentina skipper Lionel Messi celebrates his goal against Jordan in Arlington on Saturday. Pic/AFP
Giovani Lo Celso became the first Argentina player other than Lionel Messi to score in this World Cup as the defending champions finished the group stage with a three-game sweep after a 3-1 win over Jordan.
Lo Celso, in his first World Cup start, put Argentina ahead when he scored on a direct free kick in the 19th minute. Messi added one of his own after entering the game in the second half, and the top scorer in World Cup history extended his mark to 19 goals. "I am very happy for him, for the moment he is having," Lo Celso said about their captain.
Messi entered in the 60th minute in the same stadium where he broke the scoring mark on Monday, and scored in the 80th minute.
"I spoke with Leo [Messi], and we both agreed that his coming on in the second half was the best thing today. That shows what he means to the group. He had watched 55 minutes of the match [before coming from the bench] and knew what was going on. There are times when, if something needs changing, I can tell him what we're going to do for his benefit. But he doesn't need to be taught anything," Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said.
"What you're seeing [about Messi], I'm seeing the same thing. It's a little bit of an uncomfortable situation every single time people ask because I no longer know what to say," Scaloni added.
Messi has scored in seven consecutive World Cup games, breaking a tie with France's Just Fontaine and Brazil great Jairzinho for the longest streak. Lautaro Martinez put Argentina up 2-0 in the 31st minute through a penalty.
Seven
No. of consecutive World Cup matches Lionel Messi has scored in - the most by any player ever
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