Argentina vs Ecuador score, result, highlights as Lionel Messi delivers again to begin World Cup qualifying

While Lionel Messi has reached the age of 36, his status as the Inter Miami icon seems even more certain than before. Irrespective of the jersey he dons, the teammates he shares the pitch with, or the goalkeeper guarding the net, Messi consistently manages to put the ball in the back of the net.

67th min: Ecuador attempts to capitalize on a rare opportunity in the Argentina third, but the shot at the top of the penalty area is mishandled, allowing Dibu Martinez to make a comfortable collection. The visitors then make their initial substitutions of the match, introducing Kevin Rodriguez and Julio Ortiz in place of Gonzalo Plata and Jose Cifuentes.

62nd min: Jose Cifuentes receives the first yellow card of the match for a foul on Alexis Mac Allister. Argentina is preparing to make their first substitution as Angel Di Maria gets ready on the touchline. He will replace Nico Gonzalez, who has had a quiet performance.

60th min: Enner Valencia falls in the 18-yard box, but the referee dismisses the penalty appeals. Cristian Romero, who executed the tackle, is furious with Valencia, and rightly so, as the replay demonstrates it was a clean ball tackle, and Valencia was attempting to deceive the referee.

59th min: Opportunity for Argentina! The hosts are increasing the pressure, coming close twice! First, Nicolas Tagliafico narrowly misses with a powerful shot just inches over the crossbar. Moments later, there is a scramble in the penalty area, but Enzo Fernandez fails to make contact with the ball!

54th min: Opportunity for Argentina! The hosts have a dangerous free-kick just outside the upper-right corner of the penalty area, which Lionel Messi expertly curls toward the doorstep. However, Ecuador somehow manages to clear the ball in a frantic scramble! How did no one in an Albiceleste jersey find the net???

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50th min: Argentina appears to lack fresh ideas coming out of halftime. Enzo Fernandez expresses his frustration by sending a long-range shot well over the crossbar.

Kickoff: The second half is underway with no changes from either side. We’ll see how long Argentina goes before making substitutions.

HALFTIME: Argentina 0-0 Ecuador

The first 45 minutes were a significant struggle for both teams. Argentina dominated possession, accounting for 70 percent, but achieved very little with it. The few opportunities they had in front of the net were squandered by the in-form Lautaro Martinez, and Argentina supporters will be eager to see Julian Alvarez get involved.

Ecuador, on the other hand, had almost no attacking possession, mustering three shots, although that may be generous. Moises Caicedo had a tough time in midfield, but the rest of the La Tri squad managed to keep Argentina in check.

Argentina vs. Ecuador: First Half 45+2 min: Opportunity, Argentina! Another long ball disrupts Ecuador’s defense, and this time Lautaro Martinez strikes the post just before halftime! There’s a hint of offside, but it won’t matter as his sliding attempt is denied by the woodwork!

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45+1 min: Opportunity, Argentina! Frustrated by Ecuador’s solid defense, Argentina resorts to a direct approach, sending a long ball into the penalty area for a header opportunity. Felix Torres clears it, but nervously, causing the Ecuador defense to send the ball over their own crossbar!

The resulting corner is dealt with, but in the aftermath, Moises Caicedo commits a hard foul on Alexis Mac Allister. The Chelsea midfielder is fortunate not to receive a booking.

25th min: It’s been a challenging start for Chelsea midfielders Enzo Fernandez and Moises Caicedo. Caicedo has already committed three fouls and struggled in one-on-one situations, while Enzo Fernandez made a poor pass, conceding possession at the center circle. Not an ideal start for Todd Boehly’s team.

21st min: Enzo Fernandez fouls Pervis Estupinan in midfield, giving Ecuador a brief break from Argentina’s dominance in possession. The hosts have controlled 66 percent of the ball so far.

16th min: Opportunity, Argentina! Lionel Messi narrowly misses to the right! Alexis Mac Allister advances into the left side of the penalty area and lays it back for Messi, who is waiting at the top of the penalty area, but his first-time shot veers wide of the target! Lautaro’s clever dummy created space for Messi to take the shot.

12th min: Opportunity, Argentina! Lionel Messi takes the free-kick and delivers it perfectly into the penalty area. However, Lautaro Martinez, at full stretch, fails to make contact with the cross, and the ball ends up safely in the arms of Hernan Galindez! A missed opportunity for Argentina on their first chance at goal!

10th min: Moises Caicedo fouls Lionel Messi in midfield, awarding Argentina a set-piece from approximately 45 yards out. It’s too far for a direct shot on goal, even for the skilled Messi. We’ll see who takes the free-kick from this deep position. Following the foul, Caicedo requires treatment but signals to his teammates that he’s okay before rejoining the game.

5th min: Ecuador is making an effort to push Argentina toward the flanks, and this tactic is proving effective so far. The hosts are finding it challenging to penetrate centrally as they advance, being forced to distribute the ball out wide. Nahuel Molina is actively supporting Nico Gonzalez, while Lionel Messi operates more centrally.

This strategy appears to be an attempt to contain Messi and compel other Argentine players to take on Ecuador. It remains to be seen how successful this approach will be throughout the match.

Kickoff: The 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign has commenced for Lionel Messi and Argentina! With the expanded World Cup format and CONMEBOL qualifying process, the reigning champions are almost guaranteed to secure a spot.

Just 20 seconds into the match, Ecuador is flagged for an offside offense, with Gonzalo Plata being caught offside directly from the kickoff.