{"id":353679,"date":"2026-06-28T18:40:45","date_gmt":"2026-06-28T18:40:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/353679\/"},"modified":"2026-06-28T18:40:45","modified_gmt":"2026-06-28T18:40:45","slug":"messi-pushing-40-still-stands-alone-on-the-worlds-biggest-stage","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/353679\/","title":{"rendered":"Messi, pushing 40, still stands alone on the world&#8217;s biggest stage"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi waves to the crowd as he leaves the pitch after a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi waves to the crowd as he leaves the pitch after a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n<p>ARLINGTON \u2014 If this wasn\u2019t already <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/sports\/article\/lionel-messi-misses-penalty-kick-with-a-chance-to-22315317.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Lionel Messi\u2019s world<\/a>, it certainly is Lionel Messi\u2019s World Cup, and he has <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/world-cup\/article\/messi-magic-world-cup-beginning-argentina-dallas-22315086.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">made the most<\/a> of his two games played at what we shall briefly call Dallas Stadium.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn-channels-pixel.ex.co\/events\/0012000001fxZm9AAE?integrationType=DEFAULT&amp;template=design%2Farticle%2Fplatypus_two_column.tpl\" alt=\"\" class=\"x1px y1px vh abs\" aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"1\" height=\"1\"\/><\/p>\n<p>After <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/world-cup\/article\/argentina-algeria-lionel-messi-hat-trick-world-cup-22308825.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">opening the World Cup with a hat trick<\/a> in a 3-0 victory over Algeria in Kansas City,\u00a0Messi <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/world-cup\/article\/messi-world-cup-goals-record-stats-dallas-lio-22311464.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">became the all-time leading goal scorer<\/a> in World Cup play here Monday against Austria with his 17th (and later his 18th) goals in a 2-0 win.<\/p>\n<p>Technically, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/world-cup\/article\/argentina-jordan-live-updates-world-cup-dallas-22323676.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Saturday\u2019s late game against Jordan<\/a> meant nothing in terms of when and where Argentina will play its first game in the knockout stage. Same for Jordan flying home this weekend after its initial World Cup experience. But try telling 70,000 soccer fans that an Argentina game means nothing or that, even with the announcement that\u00a0Messi would not start, it was a night of soccer insignificance here Saturday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>There was also the fair question to ask of who or whom might score goals for the defending World Cup champs since\u00a0Messi had all five in the first two games.<\/p>\n<p>As it turned out, Argentina does have other capable scorers with\u00a0Giovani Lo Celso scoring on a free kick, a wicked hook that froze the Jordanian goalkeeper and maybe served as a bit of foreshadowing for later. Lautaro Martinez scored on a penalty kick for a 2-0 halftime lead.<\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring on a free kick during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"eager\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring on a free kick during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Supporters of Jordan joins a large group of Argentina supporters as they jam the main concourse before a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Supporters of Jordan joins a large group of Argentina supporters as they jam the main concourse before a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Soccer fans pack the plaza outside Dallas Stadium before a World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Argentina on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Soccer fans pack the plaza outside Dallas Stadium before a World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Argentina on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina supporters cheer as they walk the upper concourse before a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina supporters cheer as they walk the upper concourse before a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"A Jordan supporter holds a sign reading \u201cWe Sold Our Camel For These Tickers\u201d before a World Cup Group J soccer match against Argentina on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A Jordan supporter holds a sign reading \u201cWe Sold Our Camel For These Tickers\u201d before a World Cup Group J soccer match against Argentina on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"A supporter of Argentina wears face paint before a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A supporter of Argentina wears face paint before a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Fans jam the main concourse before a World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Argentina on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans jam the main concourse before a World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Argentina on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) leads his team as they take the pitch to warm up before a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) leads his team as they take the pitch to warm up before a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) warms up before a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) warms up before a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Soccer fans watch as Argentina forward Lionel Messi warms up on the pitch before a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Soccer fans watch as Argentina forward Lionel Messi warms up on the pitch before a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi waves to fans before the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi waves to fans before the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi is seen on screen during his nation\u2019s anthem before a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi is seen on screen during his nation\u2019s anthem before a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) claps after the Argentine National Anthem before a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) claps after the Argentine National Anthem before a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Player from Jordan (left) and Argentina join officials in a moment of silence for victims of the Venezuela earthquake before a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Player from Jordan (left) and Argentina join officials in a moment of silence for victims of the Venezuela earthquake before a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios (14) controls the ball against Jordan defender Yazan al-Arab (5) during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match in Arlington, Saturday, June 27, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios (14) controls the ball against Jordan defender Yazan al-Arab (5) during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match in Arlington, Saturday, June 27, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (11) is fouled by Jordan forward Mohannad Abu Taha (20) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (11) is fouled by Jordan forward Mohannad Abu Taha (20) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Match official Istv\u00e1n Kov\u00e1cs issues a yellow card to Jordan forward Mohannad Abu Taha (center) after tackling Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (bottom right) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Match official Istv\u00e1n Kov\u00e1cs issues a yellow card to Jordan forward Mohannad Abu Taha (center) after tackling Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (bottom right) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Jordan forward Mohannad Abu Taha (20) receives a yellow card from match official Istv\u00e1n Kov\u00e1cs for a foul against Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (11) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Jordan forward Mohannad Abu Taha (20) receives a yellow card from match official Istv\u00e1n Kov\u00e1cs for a foul against Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (11) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (11) scores on a free-kick past Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila (1) during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match in Arlington, Saturday, June 27, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (11) scores on a free-kick past Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila (1) during the first half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match in Arlington, Saturday, June 27, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (11) scores on a free-kick from the top of the box during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (11) scores on a free-kick from the top of the box during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (11) reacts after scoring a goal during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (11) reacts after scoring a goal during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso celebrates after he scored on a free-kick from the top of the box during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso celebrates after he scored on a free-kick from the top of the box during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (left) celebrates his goal with teammates during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (left) celebrates his goal with teammates during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina players celebrate around midfielder Giovani Lo Celso after he scored on a free-kick from the top of the box during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina players celebrate around midfielder Giovani Lo Celso after he scored on a free-kick from the top of the box during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Temmates and fans celebrate Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (11) after he scored on a free-kick from the top of the box during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Temmates and fans celebrate Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso (11) after he scored on a free-kick from the top of the box during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) looks up at the screen after Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso scored on a free-kick from the top of the box during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) looks up at the screen after Argentina midfielder Giovani Lo Celso scored on a free-kick from the top of the box during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi (2) takes a boot to the face fromJordan midfielder Nizar al-Rashdan (21) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington. Argentina was awarded a penalty kick after video review.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi (2) takes a boot to the face fromJordan midfielder Nizar al-Rashdan (21) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington. Argentina was awarded a penalty kick after video review.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi (2) reacts after being kicked in the face by a Jordan defender during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington. Argentina was awarded a penalty kick after video review.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi (2) reacts after being kicked in the face by a Jordan defender during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington. Argentina was awarded a penalty kick after video review.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lautaro Mart\u00ednez scores on a penalty kick during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lautaro Mart\u00ednez scores on a penalty kick during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"A penalty kick by Argentina\u2019s Lautaro Mart\u00ednez beats Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila for a goal during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A penalty kick by Argentina\u2019s Lautaro Mart\u00ednez beats Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila for a goal during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lautaro Mart\u00ednez (22) scores on a penalty kick past Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila (1) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lautaro Mart\u00ednez (22) scores on a penalty kick past Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila (1) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lautaro Mart\u00ednez celebrates after he scored on a penalty kick during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lautaro Mart\u00ednez celebrates after he scored on a penalty kick during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Jordan forward Ali Olwan (9) fights for the ball against Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios (14) and forward Giuliano Simeone (17) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Jordan forward Ali Olwan (9) fights for the ball against Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios (14) and forward Giuliano Simeone (17) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Jordan forward Ali Olwan (9) fights for the ball with Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios (14) and forward Giuliano Simeone (17) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Jordan forward Ali Olwan (9) fights for the ball with Argentina midfielder Exequiel Palacios (14) and forward Giuliano Simeone (17) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina defender Nicol\u00e1s Otamendi (19) heads the ball towards goal ahead of Jordan defender Abdallah Nasib (3) and defender Ihsan Haddad (23) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina defender Nicol\u00e1s Otamendi (19) heads the ball towards goal ahead of Jordan defender Abdallah Nasib (3) and defender Ihsan Haddad (23) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi (2) slides to the pitch as he clears the ball against Jordan forward Odeh al-Fakhouri (11) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina defender Leonardo Balerdi (2) slides to the pitch as he clears the ball against Jordan forward Odeh al-Fakhouri (11) during the first half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Fans hold up lights during halftime of a World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Argentina on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans hold up lights during halftime of a World Cup Group J soccer match between Jordan and Argentina on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Jordan forward Musa al-Taamari scores a goal during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Argentina on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Jordan forward Musa al-Taamari scores a goal during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Argentina on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Fans react after Jordan forward Musa al-Taamari (10) scored a goal during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Argentina on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans react after Jordan forward Musa al-Taamari (10) scored a goal during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Argentina on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Jordan forward Musa al-Taamari (10) turns and reacts after scoring a goal past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Mart\u00ednez (23) during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Jordan forward Musa al-Taamari (10) turns and reacts after scoring a goal past Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Mart\u00ednez (23) during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina defender Valent\u00edn Barco (8) reacts after being stepped on by Jordan defender Ihsan Haddad (23) during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina defender Valent\u00edn Barco (8) reacts after being stepped on by Jordan defender Ihsan Haddad (23) during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lautaro Mart\u00ednez (22) reacts after a missed shot during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lautaro Mart\u00ednez (22) reacts after a missed shot during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) high-fives forward Lautaro Mart\u00ednez (22) as he checks into the game during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) high-fives forward Lautaro Mart\u00ednez (22) as he checks into the game during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) receives the captain\u2019s arm band from defender Nicol\u00e1s Otamendi (19) as he checks into the game during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) receives the captain\u2019s arm band from defender Nicol\u00e1s Otamendi (19) as he checks into the game during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"The screen shows Argentina substitutions, including Lionel Messi, during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>The screen shows Argentina substitutions, including Lionel Messi, during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) watches as Jordan forward Mohannad Abu Taha (20) heads the ball during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) watches as Jordan forward Mohannad Abu Taha (20) heads the ball during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"A Jordan fan raises a sign about Argentina forward Lionel Messi during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A Jordan fan raises a sign about Argentina forward Lionel Messi during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) is fouled by Jordan midfielder Amer Jamous (6) during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) is fouled by Jordan midfielder Amer Jamous (6) during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Jordan midfielder Amer Jamous (6) fouls Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) as he makes a run outside the penalty box during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Jordan midfielder Amer Jamous (6) fouls Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) as he makes a run outside the penalty box during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) is fouled by Jordan midfielder Amer Jamous (6) during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) is fouled by Jordan midfielder Amer Jamous (6) during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) looks on as match official Istv\u00e1n Kov\u00e1cs marks the spot of a free kick after he was fouled during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) looks on as match official Istv\u00e1n Kov\u00e1cs marks the spot of a free kick after he was fouled during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) scores on a free-kick from beyond the penalty circle during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) scores on a free-kick from beyond the penalty circle during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) scores on a free kick during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) scores on a free kick during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"A free kick by Argentina forward Lionel Messi rips the net behind Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>A free kick by Argentina forward Lionel Messi rips the net behind Jordan goalkeeper Yazeed Abulaila during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring on a free kick during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring on a free kick during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring on a free kick during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring on a free kick during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring on a free kick during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi celebrates after scoring on a free kick during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) points to the sky after scoring a goal during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) points to the sky after scoring a goal during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) prepares to take a free kick as Jordan's Husam Abudahab leaves the pitch on a stretcher during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) prepares to take a free kick as Jordan&#8217;s Husam Abudahab leaves the pitch on a stretcher during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) takes a free kick during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) takes a free kick during the second half of a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) shakes hands with match official Istv\u00e1n Kov\u00e1cs after a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington. Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) shakes hands with match official Istv\u00e1n Kov\u00e1cs after a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington. Argentina defeated Jordan 3-1.<\/p>\n<p>El\u00edas Valverde II\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) waves to the crowd after a victory over Jordan in a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) waves to the crowd after a victory over Jordan in a World Cup Group J soccer match on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News<img alt=\"Argentina forward Lionel Messi waves to the crowd as he leaves the pitch after a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-black mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Argentina forward Lionel Messi waves to the crowd as he leaves the pitch after a World Cup Group J soccer match against Jordan on Saturday, June 27, 2026, in Arlington.<\/p>\n<p>Smiley N. Pool\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n<p>By the time\u00a0Messi entered the game at the 60-minute mark, it was a 2-1 game as Jordan had prevented Argentina from leaving the group stage with three clean sheets. But after getting tripped up and earning a free kick from 24 meters out, Messi hooked one around the Jordanian wall of defenders that again gave the goalkeeper no chance of making a play on the ball.<\/p>\n<p>While it\u2019s true that\u00a0Messi, who turned 39 this week, has been atop the soccer world for most of his career, leaving Portugal\u2019s Cristiano Ronaldo in the dust in the argument for best in the sport years ago, bear in mind that what Messi has done in the last two World Cups is exceptional by his own standards. The man scored six goals in his first four World Cups. He was a magical player, but he wasn\u2019t yet known for owning the biggest stage \u2014 one reason that Argentina had last won a World Cup with Diego Maradona and the whole \u201cHand of God\u201d thing against England 40 years ago.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>But\u00a0Messi scored seven goals in Qatar when Argentina ended its long run of World Cup silence. Now it seems there is little stopping him or his team.\u00a0Maybe Group\u00a0J wasn\u2019t exactly the Group of Death, but outscoring opponents 8-1 in the last 11 days, the champs are displaying no sign of weakness.<\/p>\n<p>Beyond that, they owned this stadium in a way Cowboys owner Jerry Jones only wishes his team could in a major game. Any visit from a Dallas rival of consequence brings out 15,000-20,000 visiting jerseys. Late Saturday night, though, the place was basically filled with something just shy of 70,000\u00a0Messi jerseys.<\/p>\n<p>Related: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/business\/article\/ahead-world-cup-matches-at-t-stadium-inside-22299150.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Inside Lionel Messi Inc.: Whatever the soccer star touches turns to gold<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img alt=\"Fans cheer as Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) and teammates celebrate after scoring on a free kick during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Jordan at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, TX, Saturday, June 27, 2026.\" loading=\"lazy\"   style=\"aspect-ratio:3 \/ 2\" class=\"x100 y100 opc bgpc ofcv bgscv block bg-gray200 mnh0px fill\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Fans cheer as Argentina forward Lionel Messi (10) and teammates celebrate after scoring on a free kick during the second half of a FIFA World Cup Group J soccer match between Argentina and Jordan at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, TX, Saturday, June 27, 2026.<\/p>\n<p>Juan Figueroa\/The Dallas Morning News<\/p>\n<p>It has been a long time coming for Argentina to reach this level, and the team doesn\u2019t seem interested in letting go. South America has actually stood atop the soccer world for a full century but Argentina had to wait its turn for more than half of that. It\u2019s Uruguay that gets to wear four stars on its jersey, emblematic of four championships even if the first two (1924 and 1928) were Olympic Gold Medals that predated the World Cup. FIFA recognizes those victories along with the 1930 and 1950 Cups.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Then it was Brazil\u2019s turn, from\u00a0Ademir to Pele to Ronaldo, to capture five World Cups over an extended period. Argentina finally broke through in 1978 and then won again with Maradona as captain in 1986. Yet something about those teams has been viewed as unrealized potential. Or as the great Pele said of Maradona, \u201cMy main doubt is whether he has sufficient greatness as a person to justify being honored by a worldwide audience.\u2019\u2019<\/p>\n<p>Maradona was 21 at the time. But he would have really struggled in a social media era with his admitted cocaine use and affairs.<\/p>\n<p>Messi flies above it all, even if he usually looks like the shortest player on the field and perhaps one of the least athletic. But goal scoring is unrelated to 40-yard dash times, even if France\u2019s Kylian Mbappe (who might track down Messi in World Cup goals by 2030) could lay down a good one. No one has a better grasp of space or how to position teammates to consistently deliver knockout blows than Messi.<\/p>\n<p>Other soccer greats are on their way to town. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/world-cup\/article\/erling-haaland-things-to-know-world-cup-dallas-22323552.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Norway\u2019s massive Erling Haaland<\/a> \u2014 sort of the anti-Messi at 6-5 \u2014 will try to Viking row his team into the Round of 16 here Tuesday afternoon against an <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dallasnews.com\/world-cup\/article\/ivory-coast-norway-dallas-stadium-arlington-22323765.php\" data-link=\"native\" class=\"\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">upstart Ivory Coast team<\/a>. Then Egypt\u2019s Mohamed Salah will lead the Pharaohs against the Socceroos of Australia on Friday afternoon.<\/p>\n<p class=\"uiTextSmall f aic jcc\">Article continues below this ad<\/p>\n<p>Two more games will follow including a World Cup semifinal here July 14. Historic moments are virtually guaranteed. But the Messi Show has moved on to Miami, which should be familiar for him since the game\u2019s greatest now serves as captain for Inter Miami in the MLS.<\/p>\n<p>All I know is that he and Argentina\u2019s massive fan base, forever locked in song, aren\u2019t going anywhere quietly any time soon.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Argentina forward Lionel Messi waves to the crowd as he leaves the pitch after a World Cup Group&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":353680,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9],"tags":[2353,102,104,103,121655,87907,87906],"class_list":["post-353679","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-dallas","tag-commentary","tag-dallas","tag-dallas-headlines","tag-dallas-news","tag-tp-at-t-stadium","tag-tp-arlington","tag-tp-world-cup"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/353679","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=353679"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/353679\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/353680"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=353679"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=353679"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=353679"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}