Argentina narrowly beat Ecuador 1-0 in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier (hosts Canada, Mexico and USA) against Ecuador.

Lionel MessiPhoto: Rich Graessle/Icon Sportswire/AP/Profimedia

The redemptive goal for the Cougars was scored by Lionel Messi in the 78th minute from an impeccably executed free kick.

“We played against a very good team, with good and physically strong players. Everyone always wants to beat Argentina, and now that we’re world champions, it’s even more so.

We cannot relax, we must improve on what we have done so far. The goal is to get to the World Cup again. We really liked what we did, but we have to look forward” – Lionel Messi.

The game was played at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires.

The feat helps Messi equal Luis Suarez (his former FC Barcelona teammate) as the all-time leading goalscorer in South American World Cup qualifying history. Now both have 29 goals.

Argentina’s next match in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers is against Bolivia on Tuesday.

The results of the previous day in South America at the 2026 World Cup in football

Paraguay – Peru 0-0

Colombia – Venezuela 1-0

Argentina – Ecuador 1-0

They will take place on Saturday

Uruguay – Chile (02:00)

Brazil – Bolivia (03:45)

Lionel Messi scored the decisive goal from a free kick