Messi sets World Cup scoring streak as analysts debate VAR and round-of-32 outlook

Football analysts on CVM Television have weighed in on the latest World Cup action, with Lionel Messi's scoring run and several disputed refereeing decisions dominating the conversation.

Messi came on as a 60th-minute substitute in Argentina's 3-1 win over Jordan and scored from a free kick, extending his run to seven consecutive World Cup matches with a goal. Coach Davion Ferguson said Argentina rested ten regular starters yet still won comfortably, with Giovani Lo Celso among the scorers and Julián Álvarez playing close to a full match. Tyrone Marshall said the supporting cast is stepping up as the tournament progresses. Both analysts linked Messi's improved World Cup goal record to reduced pressure after Argentina's title win, though neither would call him the greatest player of all time across all eras.

Argentina conceded for the first time in the tournament when Jordan scored, which Ferguson attributed partly to defensive miscommunication after heavy rotation.

In another result, Algeria and Austria finished 3-3 after Riyad Mahrez put Algeria ahead in the 95th minute and Austria equalised in the 96th. The draw eliminated Iran, who had also faced difficult travel after being unable to remain in the United States between fixtures and having to return to Mexico.

Former FIFA referee and past Jamaica Football Federation instructors' instructor Victor Stewart joined the panel to discuss VAR. He said Iran's disallowed goal against Egypt, ruled offside on a marginal toe call in the 93rd minute with the score at 1-1, followed strict protocol: any scoring body part beyond the second-last defender counts. Stewart noted that if the assistant had not flagged, VAR likely would not have intervened, and said CONCACAF teaching often favours keeping the flag down when margins are microscopic. He added that FIFA is reportedly testing a rule requiring a player's entire body to be ahead of the second-last opponent before offside is given.

Canada became the first team to reach the round of 16, beating South Africa 1-0 through a Stephen Eustáquio goal. Ferguson praised South Africa's improvement and goalkeeper Williams, while Marshall said Canada looked solid in transition and set pieces; Alphonso Davies came off the bench.

Looking ahead at the round of 32, Ferguson and Marshall largely backed Germany, France, Spain and the United States to advance, saw Morocco versus Netherlands as tight, and split on Brazil versus Japan and Portugal versus Croatia. The panel also briefly discussed England's Jed Spence appearing to avoid a pre-match handshake with Ghana's Thomas Partey, who faces sexual offence charges that have not been proven in court.