'King' Messi Makes Ronaldo Fan Garnacho Switch Allegiance to Him With Free Kick Goal vs Ecuador

• Alejandro Garnacho paid tribute to Lionel Messi, calling him 'King' after his free-kick goal in the win against Ecuador
• Lionel Messi asked to be replaced in the 89th minute of Argentina’s win over Ecuador, prompting injury fears
• Gerardo Martino eased fans’ concerns about the Inter Miami star, saying he doesn’t think he sustained a serious injury

Alejandro Garnacho is one of the biggest Cristiano Ronaldo fans out there.

Lionel Messi made the Manchester United star switch his allegiance to him on Thursday night after he scored the match-winner against Ecuador in their World Cup qualifier.

Garnacho took to social media to praise Messi, calling him 'El Rey' on one of his Instagram stories.

Apart from calling Messi 'King', Garnacho also put a Goat emoji in his caption.

Messi stuns Ecuador with free kick

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Messi earned the 'king' tag from Garnacho after his fabulous display against Ecuador.

He gave La Albiceleste all three points in the opening match of their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign after netting an exquisite free kick in the 78th minute, per Sporting News.

Messi’s technique was sublime, leaving the Ecuador goalkeeper rooted to the spot as the Argentine star’s set-piece went over the wall and into the back of the net.

He ran to the sideline to celebrate another international goal, hugging Garnacho, who was warming up at that time.

Messi equals Luis Suarez’s record

Messi made history yet again with that free-kick goal against Ecuador. He equaled Luis Suarez’s record for the most goals scored in South America’s World Cup qualifiers.

The close friends have scored 29 goals apiece in World Cup qualifying matches in South America.

The Inter Miami striker will have a chance to pull clear of Suarez this coming Tuesday against Bolivia if he is deemed fit to make the trip to La Paz.

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Will Messi play against Bolivia?

Sports Brief reported that Messi’s status for the Bolivia match remains uncertain after he asked to be substituted in the 89th minute of Argentina’s game against Ecuador.

Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni didn’t ease fans’ concerns, saying after the game that Messi “felt something.”

Inter Miami coach Gerardo Martino gave an update regarding his player’s condition during his press conference on Friday, saying that he doesn’t think Messi sustained any kind of serious injury against Ecuador.

He added that he doubts Messi would return quickly to Miami if “he has a chance to play against Bolivia.”