Argentina needed a hero as its opening 2026 World Cup qualifier against Ecuador neared its latter stages still scoreless.
If Lionel Messi wasn’t already the most likely person to fill that role, it became nearly inevitable when Argentina was given a free kick right at the top of the box in the 78th minute.
It was the kind of range from which Messi stepped up in his Inter Miami debut against Cruz Azul in July.
And just like he did in that Leagues Cup match in Fort Lauderdale, and as he’s done countless other times when the pressure was at its highest, Messi delivered.
Leo Messi does it again. đŚđˇđpic.twitter.com/0CJREKWvYg
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) September 8, 2023
Ecuador goalkeeper HernĂĄn GalĂndez wasn’t able to even offer a courtesy dive as Messi’s free kick sent the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires into raptures.
The legend’s free kick would be the game’s only goal, as Argentina’s run to a World Cup title defense got off to a winning start with a 1-0 victory.
It was the kind of moment that once again underscored how wild it truly is to have a player of Messi’s stature playing in MLS while he still possesses these kinds of powers.
âWe know that they are difficult matches in the qualifiers,â Messi told reporters after the match. âEcuador has very good players, they know what they are doing and they are very good physically. It was a very tough match, very physical.
âNot long ago, we were world champions, but it seems like a lot happened since then. We have to keep going, competing and qualifying for the next World Cup, take it game after game.”
Messi was given a standing ovation when he was substituted in the 89th minute. Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said that Messi “felt something” and asked to come off, though Messi himself insisted he was just tired.
“I was a bit tired. It just happened and it probably won’t be the last time I come off during a match,” Messi said. “But I felt very good, even though it was very difficult to play.”
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