Lionel Messi’s goal off a free kick helped Argentina defeat Ecuador 1-0 in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup qualifying round.

*Scorer: Messi 78′.

While playing on the Monumental home field against a squad with a tough and well-organized history, the World Cup champion faced various difficulties. Argentina was prevented from moving the ball out of their end in the first half by Ecuador’s pressure tactics. Additionally, when the ball was lost in the defense or midfield, Argentine fans’ hearts frequently skipped a beat.

The home team showed a fresh side in the second half.They upped the pressure, especially after coach Lionel Scaloni placed aggressive players like Angel Di Maria or Julian Alvarez onto the field.In the 78th minute, Argentina was given a free kick 20 yards from the goal.Hernan Ismael Galindez, the goalkeeper, was taken aback as Messi kicked beyond the obstruction, off the inside edge of the post, and into the net.

Messi has now tied former Barça colleague Luis Suarez for the most goals for Argentina in World Cup qualifying games with 29 goals.After leaving European football and relocating to the United States to play for Inter Miami, the 36-year-old striker proves that Argentina still needs someone of his caliber at critical times.Messi was the key difference between the two teams in the tug of war as Argentina arose and took risks to defend against the opponent’s counterattacks.

On the world champion’s field, Ecuador played admirably.Midfielder Moises Caicedo, who last summer moved from Brighton to Chelsea and set a new signing record for English football, was the shining star of the away team’s performance.The club was able to contain Messi for the bulk of the game with to Caicedo’s great contesting and force, up until the Argentine captain shone with a free-kick.

Ecuador’s first official match after appointing Felix Sanchez as its new head coach; Sanchez previously led the Qatari squad from 2017 to 2022. The Spanish coach brought the team together and instilled discipline and constraint.However, Sanchez might need more time to improve Ecuador’s offensive capabilities.The opponent team regularly had the potential to counterattack from a stronger position, but they were moving too quickly and were thwarted by Argentina’s superb defense.

With the exception of Messi’s goal, Argentina had a few opportunities but didn’t take any of them.In the first half, they had less direct access to Galindez’s goal.Rodrigo De Paul crossed the ball to Lautaro Martinez in overtime, which presented the riskiest situation.The striker for Inter Milan touched the ball, causing it to fly out and strike the post.

After Ecuador conceded a goal, they were forced to go up to attempt to score an equalizer, which created multiple opportunities at home.At this stage, Argentina still has a chance to defeat the opposition.After De Paul’s breakthrough, Di Maria had an opportunity to score, but he deflected the ball wide of the goal post.After the rhythmic transition for the home team, Di Maria promptly returned De Paul’s favor.Galindez, despite De Paul’s precise corner kick, was unbeatable.

Despite the close outcome, Argentina climbed to the top of the South American World Cup qualification group.They have three points along with Colombia, which defeated Venezuela 1-0.Messi and his teammates will play their subsequent match on the Bolivian field as guests on September 12.