KUCHING: Lionel Messi continued rewriting football history after scoring his record-extending 18th FIFA World Cup goal to inspire Argentina to a 3–1 victory over Jordan and secure top spot in Group J on Saturday.
The 39-year-old captain curled home a trademark free-kick in the 80th minute to seal the defending champions’ third straight victory, adding another milestone to a glittering World Cup career.
Messi’s latest strike further extended his record as the tournament’s all-time leading scorer, moving one goal clear of Harry Kane on 17. It also marked the first direct free-kick goal of his World Cup career, adding yet another achievement to his extraordinary legacy.
Argentina had taken control long before Messi’s moment of magic.
Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the 19th minute before Lautaro Martínez doubled the lead from the penalty spot 12 minutes later after Jordan were punished for a clumsy challenge inside the box.
Jordan briefly threatened a comeback when Mousa Al Tamari pulled one back in the 55th minute, giving the underdogs hope of salvaging something from the contest.
But with Argentina momentarily under pressure, Messi stepped up in familiar fashion.
Standing over a free-kick just outside the penalty area, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner bent an unstoppable effort beyond the Jordan goalkeeper to restore Argentina’s two-goal cushion and put the result beyond doubt.
The victory ensured Lionel Scaloni’s side completed the group stage with a perfect nine points, finishing ahead of Algeria, who booked the second Round of 32 berth after drawing 3–3 with Austria in a dramatic finale.
Austria’s elimination was confirmed despite a remarkable late fightback, with Sasa Kalajdzzic grabbing a stoppage-time equaliser after Riyad Mahrez had seemingly won it for Algeria moments earlier.
Argentina will now turn their attention to the knockout stage, where they face tournament debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 as their quest to retain the World Cup gathers momentum.
