2022 World Cup: Photos of 88 Year Old Veteran Broadcaster Running Commentary at His 17th Mundial Emerges

• Argentina sports journalist Enrique Márquez chalked a remarkable milestone on his 88th birthday when he ran commentary at his 17th World Cup on November 20
• 'Macaya' was on commentary duty for the 2022 FIFA World Cup curtain-raiser between hosts Qatar and Ecuador which saw the latter record a two-nil victory
• The veteran covered his maiden World Cup aged 23, travelling to Sweden in 1958, and hasn't missed the biggest football festival on the face of the earth since

Iconic Argentina sportscaster Enrique Macaya Márquez commentated at his 17th FIFA World Cup tournament, when he ran commentary on the opening game of the 2022 Mundial between Qatar and Ecuador.

Márquez has been present at all World Cups since Sweden 1958 and ensured he made his presence felt in this year's edition of the biggest football festival, staged in the Middle East.

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On the occasion of his 88th birthday, which coincided with the event's curtain-raiser, FIFA celebrated Macaya by highlighting and listing the number of World Cups in which he was present as a journalist.

Who is Enrique Márquez?

Born on November 20, 1934, Enrique Macaya Márquez is a revered Argentine sports journalist, as noted by Wikipedia.

Currently aged 88, Márquez commenced his television career in the mid-50s, commenting on football and Formula One.

As a journalist, Márquez has covered a staggering 17 FIFA World Cups, from his first one in Sweden back in 1958.

He holds the record as the journalist who has covered the most football World Cups in the history of the sport, El Diario reports.

Qatar records opening day defeat

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Qatar became the first home team to lose their opening World Cup match, as Ecuador cruised to a 2-0 victory over the hosts.

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Enner Valencia scored twice in the tournament curtain-raiser on Sunday. Ecuador thought they had made a dream start, silencing home fans as Valencia headed in, only for the goal to be ruled out by VAR for an offside in the build-up.

Asian champions Qatar enjoyed the backing of the majority of the crowd at the 60,000-capacity Al Bayt Stadium, but could not follow a glitzy opening ceremony with a statement performance.