Lionel Messi Becomes First Player to Score in Seven Consecutive FIFA World Cup Matches
Lionel Messi has added another remarkable milestone to his legendary career by becoming the first footballer in history to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches. The historic achievement came during Argentina’s 3-1 victory over Jordan in their final group-stage match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Argentine captain, who started the match on the bench, made an instant impact after coming on in the second half. In the 80th minute, Messi produced a trademark curling free-kick into the top corner to seal Argentina’s victory and set a new World Cup record.
With the goal, Messi increased his tally to 19 FIFA World Cup goals, further extending his record as the tournament’s all-time leading goalscorer.
His extraordinary scoring streak began during Argentina’s successful 2022 FIFA World Cup campaign in Qatar. Messi found the net against Australia in the Round of 16, scored against the Netherlands in the quarter-finals, added another goal in the semi-finals against Croatia, and struck twice in the unforgettable final against France.
The 39-year-old has carried that momentum into the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He opened the tournament with a hat-trick against Algeria, followed it with a brace against Austria, and completed the historic sequence by scoring against Jordan.
The feat surpasses the previous record of six consecutive FIFA World Cup matches with a goal, jointly held by French legend Just Fontaine and Brazilian great Jairzinho.
Argentina also finished the group stage with a perfect record, winning all of their matches to comfortably qualify for the Round of 32. The defending champions will now face Cape Verde in the knockout stage, where Messi will look to continue his outstanding form and help Argentina defend their World Cup crown.
The latest record further cements Messi’s place among football’s greatest players, adding another extraordinary chapter to an already unparalleled international career. His consistency on the biggest stage continues to redefine FIFA World Cup history and inspire football fans across the globe.
