Messi Scores 'Fantastic Free-Kick' to Set Historic 7-Game Scoring Streak

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Lionel Messi, the god of football, has once again written a new chapter in World Cup history. By scoring a fantastic free-kick goal in the final group stage match against Jordan, he has set an unprecedented record of scoring in seven consecutive World Cup matches.

Reporter Jeon Yeongmin has the story.

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Messi, who was left out of the starting lineup to manage his condition as Argentina had already secured first place in the group with two consecutive wins, stepped onto the pitch in the 60th minute to a standing ovation from the fans with the team leading 2-1.

Five minutes after being substituted in, he had a free-kick opportunity, but he expressed disappointment as his shot went over the crossbar. However, Messi did not miss his second chance in the 80th minute.

After winning a foul from a closer position, he stepped up as the kicker himself, firing a low and fast shot past the defensive wall to score his sixth goal of the tournament.

The goalkeeper, caught off guard, was unable to react as the ball went past him.

With this goal, Messi extended his scoring streak to three consecutive games in this tournament and set the historic record of scoring in seven straight World Cup matches. He also increased his all-time World Cup goal tally to 19 and now leads the tournament's scoring race by two goals with six goals total.

Argentina, having defeated Jordan 3-1, will face the tournament's surprise team, Cape Verde, in the Round of 32 on July 4.

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England defeated Panama 2-0 and advanced to the Round of 32 as the winner of Group L.

Kane scored his third goal of the tournament and his 11th career World Cup goal, setting a new record for the most World Cup goals in English history.

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Croatia, where 40-year-old Modric recorded the oldest assist in World Cup history, defeated Ghana 2-1 and advanced to the Round of 32 as the group runner-up.

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Austria drew 3-3 with Algeria thanks to a dramatic equalizing header by Kalajdzic in second-half stoppage time, maintaining second place in their group. They will face tournament favorite Spain in the Round of 32.

(Video Editing: Ha Seong-won, Graphics: Lim Chan-hyuk)
※ Please note: This article was translated by AI and may contain errors.