Messi scores in 7th straight World Cup match as Argentina beats Jordan 3-1

Lionel Messi scored a free-kick in his seventh consecutive World Cup match, a new record, as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 in an international friendly on Thursday.

Giovani Lo Celso opened the scoring in the first half before Lautaro Martinez doubled Argentina's lead. Messi's second-half free-kick made it 3-0 before Jordan pulled one back late.

Argentina fielded a second-string squad for the match, resting several first-choice players ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers. The result extended Argentina's unbeaten run to 12 matches across all competitions.

Messi's streak of scoring in seven straight World Cup matches – including friendlies and tournament games – surpasses his previous best of six. The 37-year-old has now scored 109 international goals for Argentina.

Jordan's consolation goal came through a penalty converted by Ali Olwan after a handball in the box. The hosts had few other clear chances against an Argentina side that controlled possession throughout.

Argentina next face Brazil in a World Cup qualifier on Tuesday. Jordan's next match is against Saudi Arabia in a friendly later this month.