Messi's Impact Grows Amid 2030 World Cup Speculation

WHO:

The Daily Star - Lionel Messi, Argentina's captain and record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner.

World Soccer Talk - Juan Fernando Quintero, Colombian playmaker and free agent.

The Times of India - South American legend advocating for Messi.

WHAT:

The Daily Star - Messi scored a goal in the 80th minute against Jordan, becoming the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches.

The Daily Star - Messi leads the scoring charts at the tournament with six goals and holds the all-time World Cup scoring record with 19 goals.

World Soccer Talk - Quintero's contract with River Plate was terminated after Colombia's elimination in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup.

The Times of India - A global petition is being sought to convince Messi to play in the 2030 World Cup.

WHERE:

The Daily Star - Dallas Stadium, Texas, where Argentina played against Jordan.

World Soccer Talk - Inter Miami, the club linked with Quintero.

World Soccer Talk - Vancouver, where Colombia was eliminated by Switzerland in the 2026 World Cup.

WHEN:

The Daily Star - Messi's goal occurred during a World Cup match against Jordan.

World Soccer Talk - Colombia was eliminated in the round of 16 during the 2026 World Cup.

The Times of India - The petition for Messi to play in the 2030 World Cup is being organized.

WHY:

The Daily Star - Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni noted that Messi's records mean little to him, emphasizing the team's focus on collective goals rather than individual achievements.

World Soccer Talk - Quintero's departure from River Plate was due to a lack of playing time and friction with head coach Eduardo Coudet.

HOW:

The Daily Star - Messi scored by using two Argentine players to obstruct the goalkeeper's view before striking a low shot around the wall.

World Soccer Talk - Inter Miami is considering Quintero to enhance squad depth for multiple competitions, including the MLS regular season, Leagues Cup, and Concacaf Champions Cup.

(UPDATED August 2, 2026 04:25 UTC)

Lionel Messi made history by scoring a goal in the 80th minute against Jordan, becoming the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches, while leading the tournament with six goals and holding the all-time World Cup record with 19 goals. Meanwhile, Juan Fernando Quintero's contract with River Plate was terminated following Colombia's elimination in the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup, and Inter Miami is reportedly considering him to bolster their squad for upcoming competitions. Additionally, a global petition is being organized to encourage Messi to participate in the 2030 World Cup, as Argentina's coach emphasizes the team's focus on collective goals over individual records.