Seven World Cups, seven goals: Messi does it again

The record

No player in World Cup history had ever scored in seven consecutive matches at the tournament. Messi has now done exactly that — stretching a run that spans multiple editions, multiple teammates, and what most people assumed was the natural end of a career at this level.

He didn't start against Jordan. He didn't need to. Coming off the bench with Argentina already in control, Messi found the net to make it 3-1 and, almost as a footnote to the scoreline, rewrote the record books again. The goal was the kind of moment that barely registered as a surprise — which, when you think about it, is the most remarkable thing of all.

Argentina: already through, already dangerous

Three games, three wins, nine points. Argentina head into the knockout rounds as one of the tournament's most complete sides, and Lionel Scaloni's squad have barely needed to shift out of second gear. The defending champions look like defending champions — organised, clinical, and with the small advantage of having the greatest player of all time available as an impact substitute.

That last part is not a throwaway line. Messi operating as a super-sub at a World Cup — and still producing record-breaking moments — is a tactical luxury no other nation on earth can claim.

The man himself

There is a version of this story where Messi's age, his reduced role, his minutes-management all become the narrative. Argentina and Scaloni have been careful with him. But careful or not, he keeps scoring. Seven consecutive World Cup matches with a goal. No one else is within three of that number — the gap isn't a footnote, it's the whole story.

He didn't celebrate like a man who knew what he'd just done. He rarely does anymore.