The Albiceleste controlled the pace against their rivals, but a decisive moment was needed to tilt the balance. Lionel Messi, ever the spark, stirred the night with a stroke of genius that reminded everyone why he is hailed as one of the game’s greats.
Speculation swirled about Messi after the World Cup triumph. Critics questioned his form in Miami and conjectured about his physical edge. Yet every challenge seemed to fuel him. In the colors of Argentina, Messi responds to the stage with precision and impact. Even when a performance falls short of perfection, he can conjure a memorable moment, such as a free kick that changes a game in an instant.
In their first official outing as reigning champions, Argentina pressed Ecuador, who sat compactly in their own half and relied on counterattacks led by Enner Valencia. The hosts dictated the tempo, yet the finish inside the box remained elusive. A curling shot from Messi skimmed wide, and Lautaro Martinez struck the post with a firm effort that nearly opened the scoring for the Argentines.
The second half mirrored the first in intensity, with Cuti Romero playing a pivotal role by stifling Ecuador’s advances and driving waves of Argentine pressure forward. His timely interceptions and forays into the attacking phase helped keep the match in the home side’s control. The decisive moment arrived in the 77th minute, when a free kick near the edge of the penalty area offered Messi a glancing opportunity. He nudged the ball over the wall with subtle touch, sending it beyond the reach of goalkeeper Galíndez and into the back of the net.
The early strike energized the crowd and Argentina’s players, who began to increase the tempo as Ecuador struggled to regain their shape. After the breakthrough, Ángel Di María seized opportunities on the right side, showing why he remains a vital presence for the squad. His influence helped the Monumental come alive once again, with fans savoring a return to the high-energy atmosphere that defines home matches.
As the match progressed, Argentina looked increasingly likely to extend their lead, though discipline and organization from Ecuador kept the contest tight. In the end, the result reflected the balance of play: a disciplined defense, clinical moments from Messi, and relentless pursuit from Argentina’s attackers whenever the ball found its way forward.
Next up, another test awaits at the Monumental, where the crowd will expect more of the same urgency, precision, and creativity that have become the hallmark of this team. The venue, famous for transforming energy into victories, once again stood as a testament to Argentina’s traditional strength and the enduring influence of its marquee players.
GOALS, SUMMARY AND VIDEOS
- MESSI! A sensational free kick from the captain opened a difficult match and gave Argentina the lead
- Cuti Romero cut Valencia’s attack decisively and celebrated with a signature show of grit
- Argentina advanced from right to left and Tagliafico looked ready to add another goal to the tally
- Messi placed the ball in the danger zone, but there was no teammate in position to finish
- Messi’s left-foot shot from outside the area just missed the target
- The world champions fans roared as the Monumental rose to life with the early momentum
- The exchange of quick passes by Paredes and De Paul sparked the first chorus of chants from the stands
STATISTICS
Source: Goal