Pakistan, June 29 -- Mercurial Lionel Messi became the first player to score in seven consecutive World Cup matches as a largely second-string Argentina continued their winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Jordan in their Group J clash in Dallas.

Lionel Scaloni made nine changes to the line-up that beat Austria but goals from Giovani Lo Celso, Lautaro Martinez and Messi, who started on the bench, sealed a victory that sent a warning to Cape Verde, their opponents in the round of 32.

Lo Celso gave Argentina the lead against the already eliminated Jordanians in the 19th minute with a curling free kick before Martinez doubled the advantage from the penalty spot 12 ?minutes later.

And while Mousa Altamari pulled one back for Jordan 10 minu...