Lionel Messi made World Cup history on Saturday, becoming the first player to score in six different editions of the tournament as Argentina cruised to a 5-1 victory over Jordan that sent the defending champions through to the knockout rounds.

The 38-year-old opened the scoring in the 35th minute, netting his 10th World Cup goal and surpassing Gabriel Batistuta’s Argentine record of nine. The milestone came in his 29th World Cup appearance, moving him past Germany’s Lothar Matthäus for the most matches played in the tournament’s history. The goal was scored at Cleveland’s Huntington Bank Field, where Argentina had already secured qualification with a game to spare, leaving them to play for top spot in Group F.

Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni was full of praise for his captain. “We’re witnessing something that no one has ever seen and that no one will see again,” Scaloni said. “Every time he takes the field, he shows why he’s the best.”

Paulo Dybala made it 2-0 in the 54th minute, and Benjamín Domínguez added a third on 70 minutes. Jordan pulled one back through Moussa Al-Tamari in the 79th, but Argentina restored their three-goal lead just two minutes later when Marcos Senesi headed in a corner. Substitute Gerónimo Rulli scored a stunning late fifth with an acrobatic overhead kick.

Messi acknowledged the significance of the personal achievement. “It’s something special,” Messi said, “but the most important thing is that the team continues to grow and we can keep dreaming of lifting the trophy again. I’m enjoying my football more than ever and I feel good physically. I still have the same hunger to win and I hope we can bring joy to the Argentine people.”

Scaloni confirmed he would rotate his squad for the final group game but said Messi would continue to be the team’s engine. “He’s the leader and the one who makes everyone else better,” the coach said, while also warning against complacency. “We have to stay focused. The World Cup is long and there will be tougher matches ahead.”

With nine points, Argentina finished top of Group F. Jordan, with three points, advanced as one of the best third-place finishers.