World champions Argentina began South American World Cup qualification on Thursday with a 1-0 victory at home against Ecuador thanks to a signature, curling free kick from Lionel Messi.
The long road of South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup began with Colombia defeating Venezuela 1-0 and Peru holding on for a 0-0 draw at Paraguay with 10 men.
Messi, who in December guided Argentina to their third World Cup victory in Qatar, has not yet indicated whether he will remain with his national team through the year 2026, but he once again demonstrated his significance with the goal on what had the potential to be a discouraging night for Lionel Scaloni’s team.
In the 78th minute, right beyond the Ecuadorian penalty area, Lautaro Martinez was awarded a free kick. Messi completed it flawlessly, soaring over the wall and perfectly dipping to beat the immobile Hernan Galindez.
With the goal, Messi tied Uruguay’s Luis Suarez, a former teammate of his at Barcelona, for the most goals scored in South American qualifying matches with 29.
Against an Ecuadorian team that defended heavily and restricted its attacks to the infrequent break on the counter, the Albiceleste had controlled possession.
Messi received the game’s first opportunity in the 16th minute after being found on the edge of the box, but his sidefoot shot missed the post.
Lautaro Martinez moved closer just before halftime when he dribbled to meet a Rodrigo De Paul shot, but his attempt hit the post.
In the 69th minute, Messi created a chance for himself, but his low shot was clumsily executed and easily stopped by Galindez.
But Messi’s strike in the Estadio Monumental sent the 80,000 spectators to their feet, and Argentina cruised from that point on.
De Paul, who was outstanding the entire time, put up substitute Angel Di Maria with a pass from the right but his shot was just wide.
Near the end, De Paul fired a close-range shot at the near post, forcing Galindez to make a fine stop.
