Lionel Messi: Everyone wants to defeat the Argentine national team because we are world champions
Argentine star Lionel Messi took to his official Instagram page following the hard-fought and valuable victory over the Ecuadorian national team with a 1-0 score in the opening match of the qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Messi emphasized that these qualifiers will be extremely difficult.
Messi's joy with his goal against Ecuador - Source: Lionel Messi's Instagram page
Messi wrote: “All teams want to defeat the Argentine national team, and the desire has increased significantly after winning the Qatar 2022 World Cup.”
The Argentinean star Lionel Messi added: “This victory is very important to start the journey again. I thank everyone for their continuous support. The match was physically demanding, and I was a bit tired during that encounter, but I felt good.”
Leo Messi with Argentina 🇦🇷
176 matches 👕
104 goals ⚽️
53 Assist 🅰️
157 contributions 👟20 braces ⚽️
9 hat-tricks ⚽️
11 free kicks 🎯
24 penalty kicks ⛳️World Champion 🏆
Copa America champion 🏆
Finalissima champion 🏆 pic.twitter.com/3NtpF6dQ2E— Leo Messi 🔟 Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) September 8, 2023
It is worth mentioning that Messi managed to score the only goal against the Ecuadorian national team in the 77th minute of the second half through a direct free-kick, granting his country a crucial victory in the opening of the qualifiers for the upcoming World Cup.
New star De Paul spoke about Lionel Messi as:
Rodrigo de Paul: "Leo Messi is the best ever. It's a pleasure to be with him. Every time there's a mistake near the area, we're excited because it ends with a goal. He always surprises you. Let him continue to enjoy himself: he deserves it more than any other person." pic.twitter.com/FYSZ9nHhyM
— Leo Messi 🔟 Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) September 8, 2023
Currently, Messi is playing for Inter Miami in the United States, as his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired at the end of the previous season.
