Buenos Aires, Argentina – Lionel Messi scored a late free kick to give Argentina a 1-0 win over Ecuador in their opening World Cup qualifying match on Thursday.
The match was played at the Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires, Argentina, in front of a crowd of nearly 85,000.
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— Messi World (@M10GOAT) September 8, 2023
Messi, who has been in fine form for club and country this season, struck in the 78th minute to break the deadlock. His curling free kick from 25 yards out beat the Ecuadorian goalkeeper and nestled in the bottom corner.
The win gives Argentina a good start to their qualifying campaign, but they will need to improve if they are to reach the 2026 World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.