Messi extends his record as the group stage ends and the last-32 line-up is set
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Lionel Messi extended his own records as Argentina beat Jordan 3-1 to finish the group stage with a perfect record. Coming off the bench, Messi curled in a low free-kick around the 80th minute to become the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup games and take his all-time tally to 19, according to Sky Sports, having now scored six times in three matches at this tournament.
Colombia topped Group K after a goalless draw with Portugal, leaving Cristiano Ronaldo's side as runners-up. Per Al Jazeera, Colombia needed only a point and held on, with Davinson Sánchez's late header ruled out for a tight offside; Ronaldo, jeered throughout, managed only a long-range free kick.
England completed the group stage with a 2-0 win over Panama to top Group L, doing so without the injured Reece James, according to the Football Association's match report. Croatia secured progress with a 2-1 win over Ghana, while Austria and Algeria played out a 3-3 thriller in Group J.
Transfer and squad notes
England's win came after Reece James was ruled out with a hamstring injury that is expected to keep the right-back out for at least two matches, though Thomas Tuchel has suggested he could return later in the tournament, per Fox Sports.
With the group stage complete, the round of 32 is confirmed and runs from June 28 to July 3, Yahoo Sports reported, with ties including Portugal against Croatia in Toronto; the full bracket of 32 teams — the top two from each group plus the eight best third-placed sides — is now set.
What it means for the league
The tournament moves into its knockout phase with Argentina and Messi as the form story, entering the round of 32 with a flawless group record and their captain rewriting the scoring charts. Portugal's second-place finish reshapes their path and sets up a meeting with Croatia, while England top their group despite a stuttering attack and a defensive injury. The first elimination ties now define the bracket, with margins tightening for favourites and underdogs alike.