Argentina’s national team closed out the group stage of the 2026 World Cup with a resounding 3-1 victory over Jordan, but what truly set the international press ablaze was Lionel Messi’s stunning free-kick goal. The captain, who came on in the second half, executed a masterful set piece in the 35th minute to score his sixth goal of the tournament, his 19th in World Cup history. Media outlets around the world bowed at his feet.
In Spain, Marca did not skimp on praise: «Messi shines with another goal.» They highlighted that the No. 10 entered in the 20th minute of the second half to «stretch his legs» and ended up scoring a goal for the ages. «He picked up the ball from a free kick… and scored his sixth goal of the World Cup and his 19th in the history of his six World Cups. Masterful,» they wrote. Meanwhile, As published the video of the goal and declared that the Inter Miami player «is from another world.» «Messi’s stunning free-kick goal to further enlarge his legend,» they emphasized.
From Italy, Corriere dello Sport also joined in the accolades. The outlet highlighted not only Messi but also the penalty converted by Lautaro Martínez, the «Toro’s» first in the World Cup. «Messi makes history, Lautaro Martínez scores from the penalty spot: Argentina completes a treble against Jordan,» they headlined. And they added: «He came on in the 60th minute to replace Lautaro Martínez and completed the third goal in the 80th minute, sealing the victory with a stunning free-kick goal.» Furthermore, they highlighted the record streak: Messi has now scored in seven consecutive World Cup matches, the longest streak in history.
On the other side of the Atlantic, The Athletic, the sports site of the New York Times, followed the match minute by minute and highlighted the free-kick goal, once again listing the Argentine’s records. «Lionel Messi returns to Miami, this time with Argentina, who will face Cape Verde in the round of 32 on Friday at Hard Rock Stadium,» they previewed. Fox Sports, for its part, published a series of photos of Messi on the field wearing the alternate jersey and titled: «More Messi magic.» The BBC described the Rosario native as a «maestro»: «He scored again and, in the process, broke another record. Lionel Messi came off the bench to score his sixth goal of the 2026 World Cup, giving Argentina a 3-1 victory over Jordan in Dallas, and becoming the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches,» they wrote.
The streak of consecutive goals began in the round of 16 of Qatar 2022 against Australia, and continued against the Netherlands, Croatia, France (all in 2022) and Algeria, Austria, and Jordan (in 2026). With 19 World Cup goals, Messi continues to enlarge his legend. And the international press, unanimously, consecrates him once again.
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Para mí los medios yankis y europeos se arrodillan porque saben que Messi es el último bastión del fútbol del pueblo contra el capitalismo global. Mientras los clubes falopas de Europa se llenan de guita, este pibe rompe récords a puro orgullo sudaca. ¡Viva la zurda del pibe y al carajo el imperio!
Para mí, Messi es el puto dueño del Mundial, carajo. Estos medios mogólicos se arrodillan como zurdos llorones. La derecha sabe que este crack es la única esperanza contra el comunismo futbolero. ¡Dale más récords, Leo, que los envidiosos se mueran!