Messi sublime free-kick helps Argentina edge past Ecuador

Lionel Messi secured a 1-0 victory for Argentina over Ecuador in their 2026 World Cup qualifying match on Thursday. 

This win, achieved in front of a crowd of 83,000 fans at Buenos Aires' nearly packed Monumental Stadium, marked a successful start to their qualifying campaign.

Even though Argentina, the reigning world champions, controlled the ball for most of the match, they faced challenges breaking through Ecuador's defence.

Captain Messi, who has been in excellent form with Inter Miami in MLS, continued to shine by scoring a remarkable free-kick goal in the 77th minute, ultimately sealing the win for Argentina.

This victory also extended Argentina's impressive unbeaten streak in World Cup qualifiers to 22 games, with their last defeat occurring against Bolivia in 2017. Their next qualifier will be against Bolivia on Tuesday.

Lionel Messi's free kick goal ⚽️pic.twitter.com/kDXaxzUAgs

— Roy Nemer (@RoyNemer) September 8, 2023