Once again, and now as World Cup champions, Lionel Messi came to Argentina’s rescue when the team most needed him.
The 36-year-old captain scored from a free-kick in the 78th minute to give Argentina a 1-0 win against Ecuador in the first round of South American World Cup qualifying on Thursday.
Ecuador’s five-man wall jumped in unison but had no luck stopping the magician who delved into his box of tricks for a gem. The Argentine curled his free-kick over the wall and found the back of the net with ease, as Edcuador’s short-stopper Hernan Galindez was left dumb-founded.
It was Messi’s 104th goal in 176 international appearances, including his 29th in World Cup qualifying.
Those 29 goals equal the record of Luis Suarez of Uruguay.
Also, this was his 65th goal from a free-kick, which ties him with England’s David Beckham on the all-time list.
More than 83,000 fans at the nearly full Monumental de Nunez Stadium were getting jittery until Messi scored, with their team having hit the post and the bar during the match, and offering Ecuador several chances to counter.
“Every match needs 100 per cent from us in this qualifying,” Messi said. “This was a tough match to play, a very physical one.”
Inputs from AP/PTI
