Seventh heaven for Messi as Argentina thrash Jordan in dead rubber
Captain Lionel Messi came off the bench to score from a trademark freekick as defending champions Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 in their dead-rubber Group J World Cup clash in Dallas on Sunday, with the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner becoming the first player to score in seven successive World Cup matches.
Messi, who started on the bench after coach Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to the side that beat Austria 2-0, struck home a low freekick in the 80th minute to take his tournament tally to six goals in three matches. He now has 19 World Cup goals across six editions since making his tournament debut in 2006 and remains the leading contender for the Golden Boot in this edition.
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Before Messi's introduction, Argentina had already answered questions over their dependence on their captain for goals. Giovani Lo Celso broke the deadlock in the 19th minute with a left-footed freekick from just outside the penalty area before Lautaro Martinez doubled the lead from the penalty spot in the 30th minute.
The two goals were Argentina's first of the tournament from players other than Messi, whose hattrick against Algeria and brace against Austria had accounted for all five of the defending champions' goals in their opening two matches.
Messi was preparing for a cameo appearance when Jordan became the first team to score against Argentina in this edition, with Musa Al-Taamari pulling one back in the 55th minute. Messi and Thiago Almada were introduced in the 59th minute, before Alexis Mac Allister came on a minute later, replacing Lo Celso, Lautaro, and Nico Paz.
Messi needed just over 20 minutes to restore Argentina's two-goal cushion, helping Argentina seal a 3-1 victory and cap another record-breaking outing for the Albiceleste skipper.
Argentina finished atop Group J with a perfect record and will face debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 after the Africans progressed as Group H runners-up behind Spain.
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