Lionel Messi has added another FIFA World Cup record to his career after becoming the player to score the most goals from outside the penalty area in the tournament’s history during Argentina’s 3-1 win over Jordan in their final Group J match in Arlington.The Argentina captain scored from a free kick in the 80th minute at AT&T Stadium on Saturday (local time). This is his sixth goal in the World Cup from outside the penalty area, surpassing Brazilian legend Rivelino, who held the record with five goals.The goal also raised Messi’s total tally in the World Cup to 19 goals, strengthening his record as Argentina’s top scorer in the tournament. He has now scored six goals in the ongoing World Cup.Argentina finished the group stage with three wins from three matches.Messi’s World Cup campaign began with a hat-trick against Algeria, then scored two goals against Austria. Against Jordan, coach Lionel Scaloni initially rested the 39-year-old, but he came on in the 60th minute and scored from a free kick 20 minutes later.With this attack, Messi became the first player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches.He also became only the fourth player to score in all three World Cup group stage matches since the current group stage system was introduced in 1998.
The others are Cristiano Ronaldo (2018), David Villa (2010), and Fernando Torres (2010).Argentina also recorded its 50th FIFA World Cup victory, becoming only the third country to reach the milestone after Brazil and Germany.Despite making nine changes to the starting lineup, Argentina remained in control throughout the match.Giovani Lo Celso, who played in his first World Cup final after missing the 2022 tournament due to injury, opened the scoring in the 19th minute from a free kick.Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead from the penalty spot after a VAR review awarded a penalty kick to Argentina for a foul on Marcos Sensi. The Inter Milan striker scored his first World Cup goal.Jordan reduced the gap in the 55th minute when Musa Al-Taamari scored from close range after a cross from Ihsan Haddad.Messi’s introduction helped Argentina regain control before his goal from a free kick sealed a 3-1 victory.Argentina will face tournament newcomers Cape Verde in the round of 32 in Miami on July 4. Jordan was eliminated after losing all three of its group stage matches, despite scoring in each of its matches.