Lionel Messi scored an excellent goal direct from a free-kick as Argentina began their qualifying campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by beating Ecuador 1-0 in Buenos Aires.

Despite dominating possession at the Estadio Monumental, Argentina were frequently frustrated in attack by a well-organized Ecuadoran defense.

The world champions needed something special to break the deadlock and Messi duly obliged in the 78th minute.

Messi’s fine free-kick saw him equal the record for most goals scored in World Cup qualifiers by a South American player.

Former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez had previously held the record outright after scoring 29 goals in 62 qualifiers for Uruguay.

Messi’s 29 qualifying goals have come in 61 games.

Speaking to reporters after the match, Messi said: “We played against a great team, with good players and physically strong.

“Everyone always wants to beat Argentina and even more so now that we are the world champions. We can’t relax, we have to improve on what we’ve been doing.

“The objective is to qualify for the World Cup again. We really enjoyed what we did but we have to look ahead.”

Next up for Messi and Co is a trip to Bolivia on Tuesday.

Argentina no.10 Lionel Messi scored direct from a free-kick in a 1-0 win over Ecuador on Thursday night

IMAGO/Pressinphoto/Santiago Joel Abdala

How CONMEBOL’s World Cup Qualifying Format Works

Ten South American national teams each play 18 qualifying games in a league format between September 2023 and September 2025.

The top six sides will all qualify directly for an expanded 48-team World Cup.

The team that finishes seventh will compete in an inter-confederation play-off.