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Lionel Messi led Argentina to victory over Ecuador 1-0 at the start of the World Cup qualifiers in South America.
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He did it again
Lionel Messi scores from a direct free kick.
IMAGO / Latin American News Agency
He strikes again, the ‘Magic Flea’: with a direct free-kick in the 78th minute, Lionel Messi made the difference against Ecuador in Buenos Aires. Thanks to the 1-0 win, Argentina made a successful start to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Shortly before the end, Messi asked for a substitution. For a short period, not only the fans, but also the Argentine coach, Lionel Scaloni, feared that the exceptional talent would be injured. But Messi gave the all-clear after the match: “It was a very tough match, very physical. “I was a bit tired and had to be substituted, but I felt good,” the 36-year-old said.
Messi expects a difficult qualification for Albiceleste. “Everyone wants to beat Argentina – and now that we are world champions, it’s even more difficult,” the seven-time World Cup footballer said. Argentina continues next Tuesday with its match away from home in La Paz against Bolivia.
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