Argentina survive almighty scare to edge valiant Cape Verde in extra time

A 111th-minute Diney Borges own goal saved holders Argentina from one of the biggest shocks in World Cup history as they scraped past heroic debutants Cape Verde in the last 32.

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Messi scores again as Argentina ease past Jordan

Lionel Messi came off the bench to score yet again as Argentina made it three wins from three at the World Cup with a 3-1 victory over Jordan. Messi made it six goals in three games at this tournament, extending his own all-time World Cup record to 19 goals, with a low free-kick 10 minutes from time that ensured Argentina topped Group J with a perfect record. Giovani Lo Celso and Lautaro Martinez had put the World Cup holders in control with first-half strikes, but Mousa Al Tamari pulled one back for Jordan, who at least exited the competition having scored in all three games of their debut World Cup.

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Record-breaking Messi helps Argentina past Austria into last 32

Lionel Messi became the World Cup’s all-time leading scorer when he netted both goals in Argentina’s 2-0 win over Austria in Group J in Dallas to confirm the holders’ place in the last 32. Messi took his total to 18 ⁠World Cup goals when he netted in the 38th and 95th minutes having earlier missed from the penalty spot as Argentina secured their second win to move on to six points.

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Magical Messi scores historic hat-trick as Argentina see off Algeria

Lionel Messi equalled Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals with a hat-trick as Argentina began their title defence with a 3-0 win over Algeria in Kansas City. Messi’s second took him level with Brazil great Ronaldo on 15 goals across his six World Cup appearances. He was denied in a one-on-one by Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane and had a penalty appeal turned down before joining Germany’s Klose in a share of the record.

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