DALLAS: Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni praised Lionel Messi after the captain became the first player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches during Argentina’s 3-1 victory over Jordan in their final Group J fixture on Saturday.
Messi, who came on as a second-half substitute at Dallas Stadium, scored from a free kick in the 80th minute to extend his remarkable scoring streak, surpassing the previous record jointly held by France’s Just Fontaine and Brazil’s Jairzinho.
Speaking after the match, Scaloni said he was running out of words to describe Messi’s achievements.
“It’s a little uncomfortable when people ask me about him because I don’t know what else to say. The only word that comes to mind is that I’m surprised,” Scaloni said.
The Argentina coach added that Messi could have played the full match but was rested to manage his workload ahead of the knockout stage.
Argentina took control of the match in the first half through a Giovani Lo Celso free kick and a Lautaro Martinez penalty before Messi sealed the victory with his record-breaking goal.
The strike also took Messi’s tally to six goals in the tournament, making him the leading scorer of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Scaloni, who made nine changes to his starting lineup, expressed satisfaction with the performances of the squad players.
“It was important to give everyone an opportunity to play at the World Cup. They showed they are ready, and I know I can count on them,” he said.
Argentina will face tournament debutants Cape Verde in the Round of 32 in Miami.
Scaloni warned against underestimating Cape Verde, noting that they had already impressed during the group stage.
“They’re a strong team. Spain couldn’t beat them, Uruguay couldn’t either. They play with intensity and quality, and they will make things difficult for us,” he said.
Argentina progressed to the knockout stage after finishing atop Group J, while Messi continued to rewrite World Cup history with another milestone performance.