Lionel Messi came off the bench in Dallas to score his sixth goal of the 2026 World Cup as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 — and in doing so became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches. The Argentine’s record night contrasted sharply with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal, held to a 0-0 draw by Colombia and now facing Croatia in the knockout phase.
England, meanwhile, secured top spot in Group J with a laboured 2-0 victory over Panama in New Jersey. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane scored in the second half, but the win came at a cost: right-back Jarell Quansah was injured, giving Thomas Tuchel a headache for Wednesday’s last-32 clash with DR Congo in Atlanta at 5pm UK time.
“Lionel Messi became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches as Argentina beat Jordan.”
Scotland’s World Cup dream ended in the early hours of Sunday as they exited along with fellow third-placed teams Iran, South Korea and Uruguay. Manager Steve Clarke, handed a new four-year contract only last month, has already announced his resignation.
The round of 32 got under way in Los Angeles with South Africa facing Canada. South Africa defender Teboho Mokoena expressed confidence before the match: “The boys feel we can go to the semi-finals. We are brothers. … Singing is part of our culture here.”
All eyes now turn to England’s meeting with DR Congo as Tuchel reshuffles his defence, while Messi’s Argentina await their next opponent in a tournament already laden with records and drama.