In the 80th minute, on the pitch in Dallas, Messi was awarded a direct free-kick approximately 25 m from Jordan's goal. The 39-year-old striker struck a low free-kick into the left corner, curling it around the wall, scoring as the opposing goalkeeper was caught off guard, anticipating a shot to the opposite corner.

Messi celebrated with his usual outstretched arms. In the stands, fans, including his wife Antonela Rocuzzo, cheered wildly at the superstar's moment.

Lionel Messi (number 10) celebrates his third goal for Argentina in their World Cup Group J match against Jordan, in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, 27/6. Photo: AP

Messi became the first player to score six goals from outside the penalty area at the World Cup, a record tracked by global statistics firm Opta since 1966. Brazilian legend Rivellino ranks second with five goals.

The former Barca striker's tournament goal tally increased to 19, three goals more than Kylian Mbappe (France) and Miroslav Klose (Germany). Additionally, he became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches. Just Fontaine (France) in 1958 and Jairzinho (Brazil) in 1970 are next, having scored in six consecutive matches.

This scoring streak began with Argentina's 2-1 victory over Australia in the round of 16 of the 2022 World Cup, where Messi opened the scoring. He then made it 2-0 in the 2-2 draw against Netherlands before winning 4-3 on penalties in the quarterfinals, and opened the scoring again in the 3-0 semifinal win against Croatia. In the final, Messi scored two goals in the 3-3 draw against France, which Argentina subsequently won 4-2 on penalties.

In the 2026 World Cup, Messi scored a hat-trick in the 3-0 win against Algeria, followed by two goals in the 2-0 victory over Austria, before securing the 3-1 win against Jordan. Messi started the first two matches. In the final group game, he came on in the 60th minute, replacing Lautaro Martinez.

The Argentine superstar is the third player to score in three group stage matches this tournament, following Vinicius of Brazil and Ismael Saibari of Morocco. He also leads the top scorer list with six goals. Trailing him with four goals are Vinicius, Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele (France), and Erling Haaland (Norway).

The superstar also holds numerous other World Cup records, including playing in the most tournaments (six), playing the most matches (29), contributing to the most goals (19 goals, eight assists), being the oldest player to score a hat-trick (38 years and 357 days old), providing assists in the most tournaments (five), and having the most assists in the knockout stages (six).

Messi's achievements are expected to grow as Argentina enters a knockout bracket considered favorable. The South American representative will face newcomer Cape Verde in the round of 32. If they win, they will meet the winner of the Australia – Egypt match in the round of 16. Meanwhile, potential quarterfinal opponents include Switzerland, Algeria, Colombia, or Ghana.

By Trung Thu