Argentinian media point out problem Lionel Messi caused in World Cup curse fear
Lionel Messi's stunning exploits at the World Cup 2026 have seen the Argentine icon tasked with breaking a 24-year hex by his country's media. The 39-year-old once again grabbed the spotlight with a decisive contribution during Sunday's 3-1 Group J win over Jordan.
Having been rested by manager Lionel Scaloni for the opening hour, Messi came off the bench to weave his usual magic. He won a free-kick which he proceeded to curl around Jordan's wall, wrong-footing the goalkeeper to register his sixth goal of the tournament. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner etched his name in the history books once again by becoming the first player ever to score in seven successive World Cup matches. He pushed his overall World Cup tally to 19, having already eclipsed Miroslav Klose's record for goals scored by a single player earlier in the competition.
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
The victory sealed a flawless nine-point group stage campaign after three wins, with Messi instrumental in each game. That has fuelled belief among Argentines that they could become the first nation to successfully defend the World Cup title since Brazil accomplished the feat in 1962.
However, Argentina's biggest sports publication, Diario Ole, has sought to temper expectations by drawing attention to a World Cup curse stretching back to 2002. No nation that has completed the group stage with a perfect record has gone on to lift the trophy since Brazil.
The publication noted that achieving a flawless group stage often creates a false sense of dominance, which can trigger a psychological collapse once the knockout rounds begin. Brazil were a rare exception, having secured a perfect seven-victory run in Japan and Korea.
England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer's FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code DEAL.
The worrying statistic was used to illustrate that the World Cup is never won during the group stage — Argentina's opening game defeat to Saudi Arabia in Qatar being a prime example. On the contrary, there is a real concern that Argentina, propelled by their legendary No.10, may have peaked too early.
With that in mind, the diminutive talisman has been set the challenge of making history once more, just as he has done in recent weeks and throughout his glittering career. Scaloni's side next face Cape Verde in the newly introduced last-32.
But for Argentina to be crowned four-time World Cup champions, Messi's best displays must come in the later rounds, when the opposition will inevitably prove far more formidable.
He delivered exactly that at the World Cup 2022, steering Argentina through the knockout rounds with five crucial goals against Australia, the Netherlands, Croatia and France, who were beaten on penalties in the final.