Lionel Messi’s trademark curling free-kick propelled world champions Argentina to a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their first match of the South American World Cup qualifiers. The game took place on Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Mas Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires.
Colombia also secured a 1-0 win against Venezuela, while Peru managed to hold on for a goalless draw against Paraguay. These results marked the beginning of the long journey of South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup.
Messi, who led Argentina to their third World Cup triumph in Qatar in December, once again demonstrated his importance to the team with the winning goal. Although it is uncertain whether he will continue with the national side until 2026, he showcased his skills when Lautaro Martinez earned a free-kick in the 78th minute. Messi executed the free-kick flawlessly, with his effort floating over the wall and dipping perfectly to beat Hernan Galindez.
With this goal, Messi joined former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez of Uruguay as the all-time leading scorers in South American qualifiers, both with 29 goals.
Argentina dominated possession throughout the game against Ecuador, who focused on defending and relied on occasional counterattacks. Messi had an opportunity in the 16th minute but missed the target, while Martinez hit the post just before halftime. In the 69th minute, Messi’s low shot was comfortably saved by Galindez.
However, the moment of triumph came in the 78th minute when Messi scored the winning goal, causing the 80,000 crowd at the Estadio Monumental to erupt in celebration. From then on, Argentina maintained control and secured the victory.
Rodrigo De Paul, who had an excellent performance throughout the match, set up substitute Angel Di Maria but his shot went wide. In the closing stages, De Paul’s close-range shot was saved by Galindez.
Reflecting on the match, Messi acknowledged Ecuador’s strength and the challenge they presented. He emphasized the need for Argentina to give their all in every game and not become complacent. Messi also highlighted the significance of focusing on the future and not getting caught up in past achievements.
In another match, Colombia emerged victorious with a 46th-minute header from Rafael Santos Borre, assisted by a precise cross from Jhon Arias. The win marked a successful start for new Colombia coach Nestor Lorenzo, who led the team in his first competitive game. Colombia did not qualify for the previous World Cup in Qatar, while Venezuela aimed to secure their first appearance in the tournament’s finals.
Peru faced a challenging task in Ciudad del Este, especially after defender Luis AdvÃncula received a second yellow card just before halftime, resulting in his dismissal. Despite being a player down, Peru managed to hold on for a hard-fought draw in an intense and fast-paced encounter.
The South American qualifying process for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, offers two additional places for the region, with six teams qualifying directly. The seventh-placed nation out of the ten competing countries will have a chance to qualify through an inter-continental play-off.
On Friday, Brazil, five-time winners of the World Cup, will face Bolivia, while Uruguay will host Chile in their respective qualifying matches.
