Lionel Messi’s free-kick goal secures Argentina’s win against Ecuador in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifier
Lionel Messi, the football icon, once again demonstrated his prowess on the pitch, catapulting Argentina to a victorious start in their quest for the 2026 World Cup qualification. The Inter Miami sensation etched his name on the scoresheet, securing a narrow 1-0 win for the reigning world champions.
This marked Messi’s return to the Argentine side, following his remarkable leadership in securing World Cup glory in Qatar. With anticipation mounting, he’s emerged as the frontrunner for the 2023 Ballon d’Or.
In Buenos Aires, the world champions maintained a stranglehold on possession but seemed destined for frustration until Lionel Messi conjured a moment of sheer brilliance.
At the age of 36, his recent form continues to dazzle as he curled in a sublime free-kick in the 77th minute, clinching a crucial victory for Argentina.
Post-match, Messi shared his insights, acknowledging the heightened desire to defeat Argentina, especially in the wake of their World Cup triumph.
«Now that we are world champions, even more», he remarked, emphasizing the need for relentless determination and an elevated level of performance.
“That’s why we can’t go down. We even have to go up a little more than we were doing. The demand in each game is maximum and, surely, more demanding as time goes on».
Messi’s return to Argentina’s national team after the World Cup win in Qatar was highly anticipated.
He had previously stated that he does not intend to participate in the 2026 World Cup set to take place in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
He acknowledged the challenging journey ahead, including inevitable setbacks, while emphasizing the importance of remaining grounded and resilient.
«Defeats, surely. We have to be as we are now, with our feet on the ground. Fight every game as we have been fighting since Scaloni started with all this».
He went on to highlight the competitive nature of the qualifiers, acknowledging the formidable strength of opponents like Ecuador.
«We already knew it was going to be like this, especially because of the way the qualifiers are. We knew that it is very difficult to win, that they are all very close matches. Ecuador is a great team».
Argentina’s next challenge on the road to the 2026 World Cup will be a showdown with Bolivia on September 12, and Messi and his team are primed for the journey ahead.
