Lionel Messi extended his record-breaking 2026 World Cup with a goal in a 3-1 win over Jordan, becoming the first player ever to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches. A largely second-string Argentina side still topped Group J with three wins from three, sending a clear message to the rest of the tournament as the knockout rounds approach.
The result confirmed Argentina as one of the favorites, while elsewhere Iran suffered a heartbreaking elimination on goal difference. The drama set up a compelling round of 32, which we previewed in our look at the start of the World Cup knockout stage.
Messi Sets a Seventh Straight Scoring Record
Messi entered the Jordan match in the second half and still found the net, notching his sixth goal of the tournament. As Al Jazeera reported, the strike made him the first player in history to score in seven consecutive World Cup games, a milestone that cements his standing among the tournament’s all-time greats.
That Argentina rested key players and still won comfortably speaks to their depth. Manager and squad alike will take confidence from a group stage navigated without ever looking troubled by their opponents over the three matches.
How a 3-3 Draw Knocked Iran Out
Iran’s exit came in cruel fashion. As ESPN reported, Austria and Algeria played to a thrilling 3-3 draw that allowed both to advance while eliminating Iran on goal difference. Iran would have qualified as one of the best third-place teams had either side won outright.
Sasa Kalajdzic’s late equalizer for Austria rescued his side and simultaneously ended Iran’s hopes in the final seconds. After a solid campaign, Iran were left to rue results entirely outside their control, a brutal way to bow out of the tournament.
Cape Verde Await Argentina in Round of 32
Argentina’s reward for topping the group is a round-of-32 meeting with Cape Verde, which became the smallest nation ever to reach the World Cup knockout stage. The fairytale run by the tiny island nation is one of the standout stories of the tournament so far.
On paper Argentina are heavy favorites, but Cape Verde have already defied expectations simply by reaching this stage. For Messi and his teammates, complacency would be the only real danger in the matchup against the spirited underdogs.
Argentina Cruise Through a Perfect Group
Three games, three wins, and a tournament-leading scorer in Messi: Argentina could hardly have asked for a smoother group stage. The blend of squad rotation and ruthless finishing suggests a team built for a deep run rather than a sprint.
As the knockouts begin, Argentina look every bit the contenders. The expanded 2026 tournament has produced surprises throughout, but the reigning champions have so far handled everything with composure, as tracked in our Group J coverage. Their depth could prove decisive in the weeks ahead.
Related Articles
2026 World Cup: The Knockout Stage Begins
Trust Post Desk
A journalist and editor at TrustPost.org covering world and national news, technology updates and human-interest stories. They check every fact, interview sources in person or online, and aim to deliver clear, accurate reporting. Their work ranges from breaking news to in-depth features and daily newsletters. Outside the newsroom, they follow emerging trends and engage with readers on social media.
