Argentina Vs Ecuador 1-0, Lionel Messi Shows Magical Touch Again

Lionel Messi (10) scored against Ecuador in the Conmebol 2026 World Cup qualifying match. (Photo: Twitter/@Argentina)

JAKARTA Lionel Messi emerged as a hero to save the Argentine national team (timnas) securing victory against Ecuador in the first round of South America's 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

The 36-year-old captain scored a single goal from a free kick in the 78th minute at the Monumental Stadium, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Friday, September 8, WIB.

This is Messi's 104th goal in 176 international appearances with the Argentine national team as well as his 29th goal in World Cup qualifiers. The 29 goals matched Luis Suarez's Uruguay record.

In this match, Ecuador really played solid with a defensive line consisting of five players, led by Moises Caicedo. The defense made Messi unable to do much in most matches. However, the decisive moment of the star is enough to beat Ecuador who is working hard.

Goalkeeper Hernan Galinez was made unable to move when Messi's shot through the dead ball from the edge of the penalty box led to the back of the net, near the left post.

This is the 65th free-kick goal in Messi's professional career. The details were 50 free-kick goals scored with Barcelona, 11 with Argentina, and Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami with two each.

In addition, this is Messi's 819th goal from 1,039 matches with clubs and the national team. He only lost to Cristiano Ronaldo who collected 850 goals from 1,179 matches.

Argentina has now gone through 20 consecutive matches without conceding in the first half in all competitions. The last time it happened was against Cile in January 2022.