Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said his team captain and ace forward Lionel Messi had the chance to enhance his legacy by starting against Jordan in the last group-stage game, but instead chose to let his teammates get the playing time. Unlike in Argentina’s first two matches in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, where he was in the starting XI, Messi started on the bench against Jordan. The defending world champions fielded a new frontline with Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez forming the attack line. Messi, however, appeared late in the second half and scored a free kick to add more World Cup records to his name.&nbsp;Giovani Lo Celso and Martínez scored in the first half before Messi’s brilliant low free kick put the icing on the cake. Owing to his six goals in just three contested matches in this edition, Argentina finished Group J with nine points (winning all three matches).&nbsp;Also read| <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/argentine-footballer-s-wife-and-children-die-in-venezuela-earthquake-1782719422993">Argentine footballer’s wife and children die in Venezuela earthquake</a> &nbsp;Against Algeria in Argentina’s World Cup opener, Messi scored his first tournament hat-trick and equalled Miroslav Klose for the most WC goals; he later breached that long-standing tally of 16 goals with his brace in the next match against Austria, setting up more World Cup goal-scoring records. While he had the chance to add more to his already glittering tally, he decided to start on the bench, allowing youngsters to build confidence before the knockouts begin.

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"We are delighted, primarily because we managed to give the entire squad some minutes. They truly deserve it; it is a fantastic achievement for them to have featured in a World Cup," Scaloni said of his playing XI against Jordan. &nbsp;"He (Messi) could have played the full 90 minutes today and, with all due respect to the opposition, perhaps further enhanced his legend, but he preferred to see his teammates get some game time. &nbsp;"He chose to focus on the challenges ahead, which speaks volumes about his character. He isn't preoccupied with the statistics people often obsess over. I am incredibly pleased with that decision. &nbsp;"The team required this rotation, and the players stepped up. We were unwilling to risk Nahuel (Molina) or Gonzalo (Montiel); they occupy demanding positions and still need to reach full fitness. We cannot afford any setbacks in those areas," Scaloni explained the nine team changes made for the final group game. &nbsp;Meanwhile, Messi’s Argentina will now face off against the tournament’s debutants, Cape Verde, who will enter their maiden WC knockouts on the back of three successive draws against Spain (0-0), Uruguay (2-2) and Saudi Arabia (0-0) in Group H. The match will take place in Miami on July 3.

Coach Lionel Scaloni reveals why Lionel Messi benched himself against Jordan despite being on the verge of breaking more World Cup records. Read about Argentina's perfect group stage finish and their upcoming clash with Cape Verde.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni said his team captain and ace forward Lionel Messi had the chance to enhance his legacy by starting against Jordan in the last group-stage game, but instead chose to let his teammates get the playing time. Unlike in Argentina’s first two matches in the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, where he was in the starting XI, Messi started on the bench against Jordan. The defending world champions fielded a new frontline with Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez forming the attack line. Messi, however, appeared late in the second half and scored a free kick to add more World Cup records to his name. Giovani Lo Celso and Martínez scored in the first half before Messi’s brilliant low free kick put the icing on the cake. Owing to his six goals in just three contested matches in this edition, Argentina finished Group J with nine points (winning all three matches). Also read| Argentine footballer’s wife and children die in Venezuela earthquake Against Algeria in Argentina’s World Cup opener, Messi scored his first tournament hat-trick and equalled Miroslav Klose for the most WC goals; he later breached that long-standing tally of 16 goals with his brace in the next match against Austria, setting up more World Cup goal-scoring records. While he had the chance to add more to his already glittering tally, he decided to start on the bench, allowing youngsters to build confidence before the knockouts begin.

Coach Lionel Scaloni reveals why Lionel Messi benched himself against Jordan despite being on the verge of breaking more World Cup records. Read about Argentina's perfect group stage finish and their upcoming clash with Cape Verde.

‘Messi chose to let his teammates get playing time’: Scaloni on ARG star’s selfless act

Lionel Messi scored a brace against Austria in Argentina’s second group game to power the defending champions into the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockouts. Messi also broke the record for the most goals in the competition's history by netting his 18th World Cup goal—two clear of Germany's Miroslav Klose. He surpassed Klose's tally with a stunner in the 38th minute before smashing one in stoppage time (95th minute) to help Argentina beat Austria 2-0. In two contested matches thus far, Argentina has scored five goals, with every single one coming from Messi's boots.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">🚨🇦🇷 OFFICIAL: LEO MESSI IS WORLD CUP TOP SCORER EVER WITH 17 GOALS. 🌎🤩 <a href="https://t.co/WhUddnewOY">pic.twitter.com/WhUddnewOY</a>&mdash; Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://x.com/FabrizioRomano/status/2069113158078255401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 22, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

FIFA World Cup 2026 Live on Zee5

Earlier in his team’s tournament opener against Algeria, Messi scored his maiden World Cup hat-trick and, with that, equalled Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals. Needing just one to get past the former Germany striker, Messi netted in the first half against Austria, with the Dallas crowd erupting in joy.

Meanwhile, Messi is playing at his sixth FIFA World Cup, having made his debut back in 2006. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner helped his team win its third world title in the previous edition in Qatar and now aims to repeat the feat in North America. Should Argentina win the 2026 edition, they will become the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back titles.<h3>Tears, joy and records</h3>After shedding tears following his first goal in Argentina’s title defence opener against Algeria last week, Messi revealed that his father is recovering from an unspecified health issue. However, amid personal travails and a troubled build-up to the tournament due to a hamstring injury, Messi’s feats bring joy to him, his team and the countless fans watching worldwide. &nbsp;"If anyone thought this group was better off without Leo, today it became clear that Leo is the most important of them all," said midfielder Alexis Mac Allister after the win against Algeria.<h3>All Hail King Messi</h3>Messi continued his purple patch in the second half, with Argentina looking confident on the pitch. Although both teams failed to find the back of the net at least until the regular time, Messi found a little window late into the stoppage time to score a screamer and collect his 18th World Cup goal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Messi’s second goal of the match increased his tally for this edition alone to five, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner breaking multiple records during this outing. Registering the most World Cup goals tops the list, and also for the most appearances and most minutes played among others. &nbsp;Argentina will next face Jordan in their last group stage game on Sunday (Jun 28) at the same venue.&nbsp;

History made in Dallas! Lionel Messi scores his record-breaking 17th goal to surpass Miroslav Klose as the all-time World Cup top scorer during Argentina's game against Austria. Full match details, penalty drama, and stats inside.

Lionel Messi scored a brace against Austria in Argentina’s second group game to power the defending champions into the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockouts. Messi also broke the record for the most goals in the competition's history by netting his 18th World Cup goal—two clear of Germany's Miroslav Klose. He surpassed Klose's tally with a stunner in the 38th minute before smashing one in stoppage time (95th minute) to help Argentina beat Austria 2-0. In two contested matches thus far, Argentina has scored five goals, with every single one coming from Messi's boots.

History made in Dallas! Lionel Messi scores his record-breaking 17th goal to surpass Miroslav Klose as the all-time World Cup top scorer during Argentina's game against Austria. Full match details, penalty drama, and stats inside.

Messi's record-breaking brace against Austria powers Argentina to World Cup knockouts

Lionel Messi is on the verge of football immortality. As Argentina battles Austria at the 2026 World Cup, discover the five legendary records—including Miroslav Klose's historic goals tally—the maestro can break in Dallas.

Lionel Messi is on the verge of football immortality. As Argentina battles Austria at the 2026 World Cup, discover the five legendary records—including Miroslav Klose's historic goals tally—the maestro can break in Dallas.

Chasing Klose: 5 World Cup records Messi can break in Argentina’s clash against Austria

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‘Messi chose to let his teammates get playing time’: Scaloni on ARG star’s selfless act

Messi's record-breaking brace against Austria powers Argentina to WC knockouts

5 World Cup records Messi can break in Argentina’s clash against Austria