Group J Argentina 3-1 Jordan Algeria 3-3 Austria Lionel Messi became the first player to score in seven consecutive FIFA World Cup matches as Argentina eased past Jordan 3-1 to finish top of Group J. In the group's other fixture, Austria and Algeria produced one of the tournament's most entertaining matches, battling to a dramatic 3-3 draw in Kansas. The result was enough to send both sides through to the last 32 while eliminating Iran. Argentina advanced as Group J winners, while Austria finished second and will face Spain in the knockout stage. Algeria also progressed as one of the tournament's best third-placed teams and will take on Switzerland. Argentina dominated proceedings in Dallas and opened the scoring in the 19th minute when Giovani Lo Celso marked his World Cup debut with a stunning 25-metre free-kick. Lautaro Martinez doubled the advantage from the penalty spot before Jordan pulled one back through Mousa Al Tamari, who slid in at the far post to give his side a glimmer of hope. That hope was extinguished 10 minutes from time by Messi. Introduced just after the hour mark, the 39-year-old curled a trademark low free-kick beyond the goalkeeper to seal Argentina's third successive victory of the tournament and become the first player to score in seven straight World Cup appearances. The goal was Messi's sixth in three matches, moving him two clear of nearest challengers Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappe in the race for the Golden Boot. He also surpassed France's Just Fontaine and Brazil's Jairzinho, who had each scored in six consecutive World Cup matches. Meanwhile, fans at Arrowhead Stadium were treated to a pulsating contest as Austria and Algeria shared six goals in a match packed with twists and late drama. Veteran striker Marko Arnautovic fired Austria ahead before Rafik Belghali equalised shortly before the break after capitalising on a fortunate deflection. Marcel Sabitzer restored Austria's lead with a superb strike early in the second half, only for former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez to level once again. With the draw appearing to suit both teams, the match exploded into life in stoppage time. Mahrez struck his second goal in the 93rd minute to put Algeria on the brink of victory, but Austria had the final say as substitute Sasa Kalajdzic powered home a dramatic last-gasp header, sparking wild celebrations on the Austrian bench. The thrilling finish ensured both nations extended their World Cup campaigns, while Iran's hopes of reaching the knockout rounds came to an end.
