Argentina didn't need this Lionel Messi goal, but he scored anyway to continue World Cup streak

Argentina didn’t need this Lionel Messi goal, but he scored anyway to continue World Cup streak originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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Argentina was already leading Jordan, and the Argentine side didn’t even need a win to close out group stage action at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Lionel Messi subbed into the game anyway, and he brought his magic with him anyway.

With about 10 minutes to play and Argentina up 2-1, Messi stood over a free kick.

His magnificent left foot curled the ball low and around the wall, tucking it into the bottom corner before the Jordan goalkeeper could do anything about it.

It was the seventh consecutive game at a World Cup in which Messi has scored:

“IT’S MESSI! IT’S MAGICAL! IT’S ANOTHER RECORD! HE’S SCORED IN SEVEN SUCCESSIVE WORLD CUP FINALS GAMES! IS THERE NOTHING THIS MAGICAL MAN CAN’T DO?!”

Darren Fletcher with the call for Fox. ⚽️🎙️ #WorldCuppic.twitter.com/D4rLN60i3N

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) June 28, 2026

MORE: With Messi, history and magic go hand in hand

Of all the goals Messi has scored at a World Cup, this one won’t rank as particularly important.

This one was still special, though.

Messi is 38 years old now. Sure, he could appear at another World Cup, but even this little man’s powers will eventually dissipate. 

You can’t take any of this for granted. Somehow, Messi’s sorcery found the back of the net with that free kick. That isn’t normal.

This is just what he does, especially now. He was already an all-time great, and he has aged like fine wine.

The knockout stages come next for the defending champs, starting with a Round of 32 clash against inspirational Cape Verde.

The news isn’t great for Cape Verde, though — Messi is in peak form, and he’ll be almost impossible to stop.

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