Lionel Messi adds another fifa world cup Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 in the final Group J game in Arlington, becoming the player with the most goals from outside the penalty area in World Cup history, setting a career record.The Argentina captain scored from a free kick in the 80th minute at AT&T Stadium on Saturday (local time). It was his sixth goal from outside the penalty area at the World Cup, surpassing Brazilian star Rivelino, who holds the five-goal record.This goal also brought Messi’s total goals in the World Cup to 19 goals, extending his record as Argentina’s most goals in the World Cup. He has now scored six goals in the ongoing World Cup.Argentina ended the group stage with three wins from three games.Messi’s journey to this World Cup began with a hat-trick against Algeria, followed by two goals against Austria. Against Jordan, manager Lionel Scaloni rested the 39-year-old early on, but he came on in the 60th minute and scored from a free kick 20 minutes later.With this goal, Messi became the first male player to score in seven successful World Cups.He also became the fourth player to score in all three group stage games of a single World Cup since the current group stage format was adopted in 1998. The others are Cristiano Ronaldo (2018), David Villa (2010) and Fernando Torres (2010).Argentina also won its 50th World Cup title, becoming the third country after Brazil and Germany to achieve this milestone.Despite nine changes to the starting lineup, Argentina remained in control throughout the game.Giovani Lo Celso, who will miss the 2022 World Cup due to injury, opened the scoring in the 19th minute with a curling free kick.Lautaro Martinez doubled their lead from the penalty spot after a VAR review ruled Argentina had been awarded a penalty for a foul on Marcos Senesi. The Inter Milan striker scored his first World Cup goal.Jordan reduced the deficit in the 55th minute when Musa Al-Tamaari scored from close range following a cross from Ihsan Haddad.Messi’s introduction helped Argentina regain control of the situation, and his subsequent free kick helped Argentina win 3-1.Argentina will face Cape Verde, which is participating in the World Cup for the first time, in the round of 32 in Miami on July 4. Jordan were eliminated after losing all three of their group stage games, despite scoring in each of their games.
