Lionel Messi Reacts to Helping Argentina Beat Ecuador: “Great Way to Start”

• The world champions kicked off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign in style
• Lionel Messi scored the only goal as Argentina beat Ecuador 1-0 in Buenos Aires
• He expressed satisfaction at his team's ability to grind out a win on a difficult night

Lionel Messi got Argentina off to a perfect start in their bid to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they hope to defend their title in the US, Mexico, and Canada.

The world champions returned to a packed El Monumental Stadium in Buenos Aires to play Ecuador, and it was the captain who scored the only goal of the encounter from a freekick to secure three points.

A disciplined defensive display, marshalled by Tottenham defender Cuti Romero and the midfield trio of Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Rodrigo De Paul, helped see out the win.

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Their next game comes in possibly the most difficult region to play in in South America, the high altitudes of La Paz, Bolivia, an arena in which Argentina were once thrashed 6-1 by the home side.

Messi reacts to Argentina's victory

Messi continues to captain his country to greater heights after overcoming his initial struggles with the national team. Winning the Copa America eased the pressure on him, and the World Cup triumph completed his joy.

There are concerns about whether he will be at the next Mundial, but first, they must qualify, and it was he who got the opening three points. He described it as a perfect start in a message on his Instagram page.

"A valuable win to start this new path. Thank you for the support once again!!! This is a great way to start. #VamosArgentina," he wrote.

Goal reported that despite doubts over Messi's presence for the game against Bolivia due to his strenuous club schedule, Scaloni claimed that he should be available to play.

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Messi equals Beckham's freekick record

Sports Brief also reported on Messi equalling David Beckham's record after scoring the 65th freekick of his career to seal a 1-0 win for Argentina over Ecuador.

In the same game, he equalled his former teammate Luis Suarez's record of the most goals in the World Cup qualifiers for a South American country with 29 goals.