On the morning of September 8, Beijing time, in the first round of the South American zone of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Argentina faced Ecuador at the Monument Stadium.
In the 15th minute, Messi almost scored when he received a pass from Alexis McAllister and his left-footed shot was saved by the Ecuadorian goalkeeper. In the 46th minute, Argentina striker Lautaro . Martinez received a pass from Rodrigo DePaul and fired a powerful shot into Ecuador's left post.
In the 57th minute, Argentina defender Nicolás Tagliafeco bounced off the crossbar with a powerful shot from outside the box. In the 61st minute, veteran Angel Di Maria replaced Nicolás Gonzalez. In the 69th minute, Messi got rid of three defenders to shoot, but his weak shot did not pose a threat. In the 76th minute, Argentina made a substitution, with Lautaro Martínez and Alexis McAleis being replaced by Julian Alvarez and Leandro Paredes. In the 77th minute, Messi scored from a left-footed free-kick 21 meters from goal to give Argentina a 1-0 lead over Ecuador. Messi's goal equalled Uruguayan striker Luiz. Suarez's record for top scorer in South America in World Cup qualifiers with 29 goals.
In the 84th minute, Di Maria's shot deflected slightly off the left post. In the 88th minute, Messi was replaced by Palacios. In the 92nd minute, De Paul's shot was blocked by the Ecuadorian goalkeeper and Argentina missed the opportunity to extend the scoreline.
Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Navel Molina, Christian Romero, Nicolás Otameni, Nicolas Tagliafico; Rodrigo DePaul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis McAllister (75' Leandro Paredes); Nicolás González (61' Ángel di Maria), Lautaro Martinez (75' Julián Alvarez) and Lionel Messi (87' Eksekiel Palacios). Head coach: Lionel Scaloni.
Ecuador: Hernán Galindes; Robles Aboleda, Felix Torres (80' Ángel Mena), William Pacho; José Hurtado (80' Angelo Preciado), José Sifuentes (66' João Ortiz), Carlos Gruzo, Moises Caicedo, Perves Estupinan; Gonzalo Plata (66' Kevin Rodriguez) and Enna Valencia. Head coach: Felix Sanchez