Messi set a new record at the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel Messi continued to be the center of attention, finishing the group stage with 6 goals, leading the race for the Golden Boot and extending his World Cup scoring record to 19 goals.

Coming on as a substitute, Messi continues to make headlines worldwide . Photo: Reuters.

On the morning of June 28th (Vietnam time), at the Dallas stadium, Argentina concluded their World Cup 2026 group stage campaign with a 3-1 victory over Jordan in their final Group J match. Despite only coming on in the 60th minute, Lionel Messi made a significant impact with a spectacular free-kick, finishing the group stage with 6 goals, leading the race for the Golden Boot, and extending his World Cup scoring record to 19 goals.

In America, where soccer is increasingly viewed differently after the Messi effect, the match between Argentina and Jordan had a very special significance. Americans may be familiar with concepts like "Sunday, King's play": Sunday being the stage for big stars, for the "kings" of sports to step into the spotlight. And in Dallas, Messi transformed that notion into a true performance: he didn't need to play the full 90 minutes, he didn't need to start, yet he still managed to make the match memorable as a new chapter in his legendary journey.

A superb free-kick from M10. Photo: Reuters.

Argentina entered the match against Jordan with a significant advantage, having already secured qualification. Therefore, coach Lionel Scaloni had reason to rotate the squad, resting key players before the knockout round. Messi was benched, while Argentina started with Lo Celso, Paredes, Palacios, Nico Paz, Julian Alvarez, and Lautaro Martinez. Despite lacking their number 10 from the start, the defending champions controlled the game with superior quality in midfield and a coherent attacking style.

Jordan started the match with a defensive formation, flexibly switching from a 3-4-2-1 to a 5-4-1 when out of possession. The Asian representatives understood the significant difference in skill level, so they opted for a disciplined style of play, sitting deep and waiting for counter-attacking opportunities. However, Argentina's pressure quickly made a difference. In the 19th minute, Lo Celso opened the scoring with a beautiful left-footed free kick from the edge of the penalty area, sending the ball into the far corner, leaving goalkeeper Abulaila helpless. That goal showed that Argentina were not only dangerous in open play, but also very formidable in set-piece situations.

In the 31st minute, the lead was doubled. After the referee ruled Senesi fouled in the penalty area, Lautaro Martinez calmly converted the penalty, making it 2-0. Before and after that, the Inter Milan striker had several dangerous shots, including one that hit the crossbar. Argentina ended the first half with a clear advantage, while Jordan, despite their efforts, were almost unable to break through their opponent's solid defense.

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Jordan (in white) did everything they could, but all they managed was one goal against the reigning champions. Photo: Reuters.

In the second half, Jordan unexpectedly rekindled their hopes. In the 55th minute, from a cross into the Argentina penalty area, Al Tamari rushed in and tapped the ball into the net from close range, reducing the score to 1-2. That goal didn't significantly change the course of the match, but it forced Argentina to take things more seriously. And that was also the moment Scaloni brought Messi on in the 60th minute, along with Mac Allister and Almada.

Within minutes of coming onto the pitch, Messi immediately drew all the attention to himself. He received the ball between the lines, dribbled past opponents, made passes that created space, and forced the Jordan defense to constantly retreat. The difference Messi made wasn't just about speed or stamina, but about his ability to read the game and choose the right moment to strike. In the 65th minute, he tried his luck with a left-footed free kick, but the ball went over the crossbar. That was like a warning before the "king" truly made his mark.

In the 80th minute, Argentina were awarded a free kick directly in front of Jordan's goal. Messi stood before the ball, calmly observing the wall and goalkeeper Abulaila's position. Instead of curling the ball over the wall in his usual manner, he unleashed a low shot, the ball bouncing off the ground and into the far corner, beating the Jordan goalkeeper. A goal that was typical of Messi: cunning, precise, and cool-headed. The score was increased to 3-1 for Argentina, and the match was effectively decided.

Argentina's opening goal. Photo: Reuters.

That goal meant far more than just a group stage goal. Messi finished the 2026 World Cup group stage with 6 goals, currently leading the race for the Golden Boot. More importantly, he raised his total number of goals in World Cup history to 19, setting a new record. Previously, his brace against Austria had helped Messi surpass Miroslav Klose to become the greatest goalscorer in World Cup history. The goal against Jordan further extended that milestone, making his record even more difficult to reach.

The 3-1 victory helped Argentina finish Group J with a perfect 9 points, securing first place and entering the knockout round with great confidence. Jordan had to bid farewell to the World Cup for the first time in their history, but Al Tamari's goal also helped them leave the tournament with a memorable mark.

For Messi, Dallas became yet another stage in his immortal journey. At 39, he no longer needed to prove who he was, but he continued to create moments that made the whole world talk about him. One Sunday morning in Vietnam, in the US, "King" took to the field and played his role perfectly. Sunday, King play – and Messi was once again the king of the World Cup.

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Minh Thu

Source: https://cand.vn/messi-lap-ky-luc-moi-tai-world-cup-2026-post815179.html