Lionel Messi showcased his brilliance with a breathtaking free-kick, propelling Argentina to a victorious start in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers, where they triumphed 1-0 against Ecuador on Friday.
Despite being 36 years old, Messi, now an icon at Inter Miami, seems more unstoppable than ever at this stage of his illustrious career.
In the 78th minute, the Argentine maestro delivered a masterclass, converting a free-kick into a goal, securing a crucial victory for the defending FIFA World Cup champions on their home turf in Buenos Aires.
This remarkable goal marked Messi’s eighth consecutive international match with a goal, further solidifying his legacy, while also gifting Argentina a valuable three points as they embark on their journey in the extended World Cup qualification campaign.
The iconic No. 10, an embodiment of Argentina’s footballing prowess, received a standing ovation and heartfelt cheers from the adoring crowd as he was substituted in the 89th minute, a testament to his status as Argentina’s beloved son.
In other qualifying matches, Paraguay played to a goalless draw against Peru, while Colombia secured a 1-0 victory at home against Venezuela.
