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By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
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Argentina played its final match in Group J yesterday against Jordan, with Lionel Messi beginning on the bench and finishing on the field, where he continued to add to his World Cup legend.
For this matchup, Argentina opted to start reserves after already qualifying for the Knockout Phase. Messi entered in the second half and missed on an early free-kick opportunity, with his kick going above the goal.
However, he'd convert on a second free kick attempt coming at the 80-minute mark. Rather than replicating his previous shot attempt, he snuck the ball to the side past the defenders, also fooling the goalkeeper.
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Messi's goal came as the third for his team in a 3-1 victory over Jordan. Argentina's first two goals arrived courtesy of Messi's teammates, Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez, in the first half.
"One more win to complete the group stage. We're still together...," Messi wrote in an Instagram post as he celebrated last night's win with fans ahead of the Round of 32.
More news: Lionel Messi Sets Another World Cup Record — His Most Ridiculous Yet
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Last night's goal achieved a new bit of history for Messi. Not only did it add to his running total as the all-time goals leader in World Cup history with 19, but he became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.
Messi was previously tied with France's Just Fontaine and Brazil's Jairzinho, as they each had scored goals in six-straight World Cup matches.
However, for Messi, the more significant achievement was a momentum-building victory ahead of the Round of 32, which also saw some additional players score for once. Relying on one player could be difficult, although many teams have done so with other GOATs, including NFL legend Tom Brady and NBA legend Michael Jordan.
This marks Messi's sixth World Cup appearance since debuting at the 2006 edition, and his historic performances in three games so far this year have many believing that Argentina can repeat as champions. They've looked strong and capable behind Messi's scoring prowess, but could face some upset-hungry opponents in the tournament.
First up for Argentina will be a Round of 32 match against Cape Verde. The two teams meet on Friday, July 3, at Miami Stadium in Miami, Florida, with Argentina a massive -3000 favorite at DraftKings Sportsbook to qualify for the next round.
Read more: USMNT Could Face Brutal World Cup Final Path After Round of 32
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