13 matches and counting! Lionel Messi's Argentina become the first team ever to ...

Times of India Published Jul 19, 2026 Reviewed Jul 19, 2026 ✓ Reviewed by citations.press editors

Argentina became the first team in FIFA World Cup history to score at least two goals in 13 consecutive World Cup matches.

13 matches · Argentina national football team

Argentina have scored in 16 successive World Cup matches.

16 matches · Argentina national football team

Only Hungary (17 matches between 1934 and 1962), Germany (18 matches between 1934 and 1958 and again from 1986 to 1998), and Brazil (18 matches between 1930 and 1958) have produced longer World Cup scoring streaks than Argentina's 16-match run.

17 matches · Hungary national football team18 matches · Germany national football team18 matches · Germany national football team18 matches · Brazil national football team

Spain advanced to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final with a 2-0 victory over France.

2 goals · Spain national football team

Spain secured its sixth clean sheet in seven tournament matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

6 clean sheets · Spain national football team7 matches · Spain national football team

Argentina will carry remarkable attacking momentum into the FIFA World Cup 2026 final against Spain after becoming the first team in tournament history to score at least two goals in 13 consecutive World Cup matches.Lionel Scaloni's side extended the record with a dramatic 2-1 comeback victory over England in the semifinals, making it 13 straight World Cup games with two or more goals.

The streak began after Argentina's shock 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in their opening match of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, the last time the Albiceleste failed to score at least twice in a World Cup fixture.Argentina have also found the net in 16 successive World Cup matches, placing them among the competition's greatest attacking teams.

Only Hungary (17 matches between 1934 and 1962), Germany (18 between 1934 and 1958 and again from 1986 to 1998), and Brazil (18 between 1930 and 1958) have produced longer scoring streaks. Now, the defending champions will look to continue that remarkable run when they take on UEFA Euro 2024 winners Spain in Sunday's final at New York New Jersey Stadium.Argentina reached the title clash after overturning a first-half deficit against England.

Enzo Fernandez levelled the scores before Lautaro Martinez struck a stoppage-time winner to send the reigning champions into a second successive World Cup final.Spain, meanwhile, advanced with a composed 2-0 victory over France. Mikel Oyarzabal converted a penalty earned by teenage sensation Lamine Yamal before Pedro Porro added a second after the break, while Spain's defence secured its sixth clean sheet in seven tournament matches.Spain coach Luis de la Fuente expects "a cracking match" between two sides committed to attacking football, while Scaloni believes Argentina must produce their "best version" to retain the title.

The Argentina coach also praised 39-year-old Lionel Messi for reaching yet another World Cup final, calling his longevity and influence "incredible".With history, records and the biggest prize in world football on the line, Argentina's prolific attack will once again be under the spotlight.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates.

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