KATHMANDU, June 28: Lionel Messi continued his remarkable form by scoring once again as Argentina extended their unbeaten run at the World Cup with a comfortable victory over Jordan in Dallas.
Having already secured top spot in Group J, Argentina left captain Messi on the bench at kick-off. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner was introduced in the 60th minute to a roaring reception from the crowd.
Messi capped his appearance with a superb free-kick 10 minutes from time, curling the ball over the defensive wall and into the corner of the net. The strike took his tournament tally to six goals, leaving him two clear in the race for the Golden Boot.
Messi’s Argentina in a slimmer hope for the World Cup
The goal also marked the 19th of Messi's World Cup career, extending his own record, while making him the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.
Earlier, midfielder Giovani Lo Celso had given Argentina the lead with a well-taken free-kick before striker Lautaro Martinez doubled the advantage from the penalty spot.
Jordan reduced the deficit early in the second half when Mousa Al Tamari finished off a well-worked team move.
Every touch from Messi after his introduction was met with loud cheers from the spectators, and his late free-kick provided another memorable moment for the fans.
Football analysts hailed Messi's display as exceptional, praising his vision, technical quality and influence on the game, as Argentina further strengthened its credentials as one of the favourites to win the title.
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