Lionel Messi Humiliates Moises Caicedo With Sublime Skills in Argentina Win, Video

• Lionel Messi was in the thick of the action as Argentina beat Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier
• His free kick goal proved to be the difference between the two countries in Buenos Aires
• Chelsea's new signing, Moises Caicedo, had a rough time trying to mark the Argentine star

Lionel Messi once again exhibited his class to help Argentina record another victory, as they began their qualification for the 2026 World Cup on a positive note.

A day after being nominated to vie for a record-extending eighth Ballon d'Or title, he bent in a wonderful free-kick against Ecuador on September 8 in what turned out to be the only goal of the game.

It is the first time since 1986 that La Albiceleste are beginning the qualifiers as the defending champions following their heroics in Qatar last year. They beat France on post-match penalties in an enthralling final in Qatar.

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Messi was certainly in the mood at the Estadio Más Monumental on September 8. Apart from the goal, he employed his characteristic trickery to help his side. One of his victims was Chelsea's new marquee signing, Moises Caicedo.

Messi sinks Caicedo with his skills

Caicedo, who has quickly become a midfield lynchpin for Ecuador, found himself on the wrong side of Messi as he attempted to close him down.

The €115 million signing from Brighton and Hove Albion was turned inside out, with the former Barcelona man managing to keep the ball out of his grasp.

Caicedo is known for his timely interceptions and ball retrievals but against the Argentine, he met his match. The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner dropped a shoulder and pretended to go one way before quickly turning. He then slowed his pace before picking it up almost at the same time, leaving the Ecuadorian sprawled on the turf.

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The movement echoed what Messi did to Croatia's Josko Gvardiol during the World Cup semi-final last year but unlike that infamous moment, Caicedo was lucky to see the aftermath not result in a goal.

The 21-year-old has had a slow start to life in West London. He gave away a penalty on his debut against West Ham United before giving away possession, leading to Chelsea's latest defeat to Nottingham Forest.

Caicedo will be hoping for better tidings after the international break as he seeks to forge a better understanding with Enzo Fernandez, whom he faced alongside Messi and Argentina.

Messi equals Luis Suarez's record

Sports Brief also reported on the goal against Ecuador seeing Messi equal Luis Suarez's record as the player with the most number of goals in South America's World Cup qualifiers.

Prior to the game, Suarez was at 29 goals with his former Barcelona teammate a goal behind him. The Inter Miami striker will have a chance to pull ahead against Bolivia next week.