06/27/26 11:05:00
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06/27 23:04 CDT Messi becomes first to score in 7 straight World Cup games
while extending goals record
Messi becomes first to score in 7 straight World Cup games while extending
goals record
By SCHUYLER DIXON
AP Sports Writer
ARLINGTON, Texas (AP) --- Lionel Messi became the first player to score in
seven consecutive World Cup games while extending his all-time scoring record
with his 19th goal in Argentina's group stage finale against Jordan on Saturday
night.
Messi scored on a free kick after being taken down just outside the penalty box
in the 80th minute. The low kick, just above the grass surface, split two
Jordan defenders into the left corner of the net.
It was his 72nd career goal on a free kick and 12th for Argentina. Messi now
has 123 international goals --- second all-time to Cristiano Ronaldo's 145 ---
in 202 appearances.
The 39-year-old had been one of only three players to score in six consecutive
World Cup games along with France striker Just Fontaine and Brazil great
Jairzinho.
Messi didn't start with Argentina already set as the Group J winner and Jordan
already eliminated from the knockout stage. He entered in the 60th minute for
Lautaro Martinez, who scored on a penalty kick in the first half.
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