Messi scores free kick, Argentina wins narrowly in World Cup qualifiers

Facing Ecuador, Argentina dominated possession but struggled to open the scoring until Messi shone with a free kick from 21 metres out.

Messi scored a free kick from more than 21 meters in the match against Ecuador (Clip: X)

In the first half, Messi was constantly pressed and fouled from afar by Caicedo or Cifuentes and almost scored in the 16th minute. However, M10's shot unfortunately went wide of the post.

Before the end of the match, Argentina fans once again had to regret when Lautaro Martinez hit the post in the 45+2 minute.

Messi đá phạt thành bàn từ hơn 21 m, Argentina thắng sát nút tại vòng loại World Cup - Ảnh 2.

Messi missed a regrettable opportunity in the first half

In the second half, Argentina continued to push up their attacking formation. In the 71st minute, Messi continued to miss the opportunity after a solo pass in front of 3 Ecuadorian players, but the subsequent shot was too weak and hit the opposing goalkeeper.

In the 78th minute, the Argentine superstar was fouled in the middle of the field at a distance of more than 21 meters. Messi took a free kick, the kick went over the wall and into the top corner of the goal, leaving goalkeeper Galindez unable to block it.

Messi đá phạt thành bàn từ hơn 21 m, Argentina thắng sát nút tại vòng loại World Cup - Ảnh 3.

Messi đá phạt thành bàn từ hơn 21 m, Argentina thắng sát nút tại vòng loại World Cup - Ảnh 4.

With this goal, Messi helped Argentina win and equal Luis Suarez's top scorer record in the South American World Cup qualifiers with 29 goals.

Suarez is not currently called up to the Uruguay squad, so Messi is more than capable of surpassing his former Barca teammate in the match against Bolivia in the early morning of September 13.

Messi đá phạt thành bàn từ hơn 21 m, Argentina thắng sát nút tại vòng loại World Cup - Ảnh 5.

Messi left the field in the 89th minute with 1 goal

In the two previous matches today, host Paraguay played with an extra man from the first half when Juniors defender Luis Advincula received a second yellow card. However, Peru still managed to hold Paraguay to a 0-0 draw at Antonio Aranda Encina Stadium in the opening match of the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers in South America.

In the next match, Colombia narrowly beat Venezuela 1-0 thanks to Rafael Borre's only goal early in the second half from a diving header from close range after a teammate's cross.

Quoc An - Photo: Reuters

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