Once extra, now donning the title of a World Cup champion, Lionel Messi emerged as Argentina’s savior of their hour of best want.
The 36-year-old captain scored from a free kick within the 78th minute to offer Argentina a 1-0 win towards Ecuador within the first spherical of South American World Cup qualifying on Thursday.
It was Messi’s 104th aim in 176 worldwide appearances, together with his twenty ninth in World Cup qualifying. Those 29 targets equal the document of Luis Suarez of Uruguay.
Over 83,000 followers on the practically full Monumental de Nunez Stadium have been getting jittery till Messi scored, with their staff having hit the put up and the bar throughout the match, and providing Ecuador a number of possibilities to counter.
Ecuador stored Argentina at bay throughout many of the match with a defensive position of 5 gamers, led by Moises Caicedo, which put Messi below wraps throughout many of the conflict in Buenos Aires. But the decisive second of the star was sufficient to beat the hard-working Ecuadorians.
Goalkeeper Hernan Galindez didn’t transfer as Messi’s shot from the sting of the field went to the again of the web, close to the left put up.
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who accomplished 5 years within the job on Thursday, shocked followers with a distinct formation from the one which performed and gained the World Cup last over France in Qatar. He benched Angel Di Maria and began Nicolas Gonzalez.
Scaloni additionally used Lautaro Martínez as his heart ahead as a substitute of Julian Alvarez. Argentina’s coach, who’s but to lose a match in South American qualifying, introduced Di Maria in throughout the second half, however Argentina continued struggling to get clear possibilities.
“Every match needs 100% from us in this qualifying,” Messi said after the match. “This was a troublesome match to play, a really bodily one.”
Earlier, Colombia beat Venezuela 1-0 with a header by Rafael Santos Borre within the forty sixth minute. Paraguay and Peru drew 0-0.
Argentina and Colombia lead the standings with three factors. Paraguay and Peru are subsequent with one. Ecuador has minus three factors due to a FIFA punishment that prompted a deduction in South American qualifying for the falsification of the delivery info of defender Byron Castillo, who’s of Colombian origin.
The first spherical of South American qualifying will likely be accomplished on Friday when Brazil hosts Bolivia and Uruguay performs towards Chile.
All 10 groups within the area will play their second spherical on Tuesday.
The 2026 version of the World Cup within the United States, Mexico and Canada is increasing to a 48-team format. The main six positions in South America will safe a direct spot. The seventh-place staff will contest an intercontinental playoff for a berth.
Source: www.dailysabah.com
