Lionel Messi’s second-half purpose gave Argentina a 1-0 house win over Ecuador on Thursday to get their 2026 World Cup qualifying marketing campaign off on the fitting foot.
World champions Argentina had been dominant in possession however annoyed in assault as they struggled to make the breakthrough.
Captain Messi, nonetheless, continued the advantageous type he’s displaying with membership facet Inter Miami by scoring from a free kick after 77 minutes.
“We played against a great team, with good players and physically strong,” Messi informed reporters.
“Everyone all the time needs to beat Argentina and much more so now that we’re the world champions. We can’t calm down, we have now to enhance on what we’ve been doing.
“The objective is to qualify for the World Cup again. We really enjoyed what we did but we have to look ahead.”
Messi’s purpose additionally tied him with shut good friend Luis Suarez of Uruguay because the all-time prime scorer within the South American qualifying competitors with 29.
“It’s a pleasure for me that we are both there,” mentioned Messi, who has now scored 104 worldwide objectives.
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“Given what the qualifiers mean for us in South American football, it’s a very nice thing for both of us.”
Argentina will subsequent play at Bolivia on Tuesday.
In different qualifiers, Paraguay drew 0-0 with Peru whereas Colombia claimed a 1-0 house win over Venezuela.
The first spherical of CONMEBOL qualifiers continues on Friday when Uruguay host Chile earlier than Brazil tackle Bolivia.
