Lionel Messi leads Argentina over Ecuador with late goal to kick off World Cup qualifying in CONMEBOL

The World Cup winners were frustrated for most of the match by a talented side Ecuador side looking for the upset

Just when a team thinks that they have Argentina pinned against the wall, Lionel Messi steps up and next thing you know, La Albiceleste are leading, and that's just what happened Thursday night against Ecuador in a 1-0 victory to kick off CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying. Messi lined up a free kick in the 78th minute and executed it with perfection to not only put Argentina ahead in the match but also to become the joint top goalscorer in South American World Cup qualifying with Luis Suarez of Uruguay. Messi scored his 29th goal in a qualifier as Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni continued his undefeated run in qualifying since taking over.

Ecuador started well with their back five withstanding Argentina's attack, but in the end it wasn't enough as La Tri will sit on -3 points in World Cup qualifying. They're behind the ball due to fielding Byron Castillo in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, but this isn't a game where Ecuador would've expected to pick up points anyway.

In CONMEBOL qualifying, Argentina is one of the toughest places to go and it only gets harder when the team can bring Angel Di Maria off the bench to change the pace. Add in that Messi hasn't lost a step at 36 and things become impossible for the opposition. Even when the defense was tested, Emi Martinez held firm to ensure that Argentina would leave with all three points.

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[Sep 7, 2023 at 10:03 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Continued perfection for Argentina

La Albiceleste are still undefeated under Lionel Scaloni in World Cup qualifiers but he also has just a little bit of help from Lionel Messi. Their talisman got a chance near the end of the game from a free kick and you knew exactly what was going to happen as he lined it up and drove it home to not only put Argentia ahead in the match but to also join Luis Suarez of Uraguay for the most goals in South American qualifiers with 29. Ecuador played a good game but will remain on -3 points in qualifying. 

[Sep 7, 2023 at 9:46 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

You give Messi a free kick, and he nails it 

Argentina goes ahead 1-0 by none other than Lionel Messi who has now going joint top with Luis Suarez for the most goals in South American World Cup qualifiers with 29 as Argentina leads with 12 minutes remaining.

[Sep 7, 2023 at 9:37 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Messi with a shot on target

Changes have happened all around but Argentina are still chugging away after Di Maria's addition to the match. It will be a tight finish but everything is in Argentina's hands.

[Sep 7, 2023 at 9:28 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Di Maria gets ready to check in

Argentina needs a cutting edge in the final third and Di Maria will be just the person to help provide it.

[Sep 7, 2023 at 9:23 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

How did Argentina not score?

Ecuador collapsed their defense on the goal line and were somehow able to withstand multiple attempts by the skin of their teeth.

[Sep 7, 2023 at 9:14 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Back underway

Argentina are pushing the pace out of the gate and win a corner for their efforts to start the second half. In a windy stadium, it is well-defended.

[Sep 7, 2023 at 8:53 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Off the bar!

Argentina thought they opened the scoring via Martinez but with it crashing off the left post, instead, we'll enter the half with things still level.

[Sep 7, 2023 at 8:47 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Missed chance for Ecuador

Valencia thought he was through on goal but Argentina's defense came up big to clear the danger and keep things ticking over. Argentina has still not created much in attack yet but they won't mind as wearing Ecuador down is part of the game.

[Sep 7, 2023 at 8:37 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

It's getting chippy

Caicedo is down after a rough challenge from De Paul but sno cards were handed out. Argentian again are providing Ecuador with free chances to advance the ball down the pitch.

[Sep 7, 2023 at 8:32 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Better from Ecuador

Enner Valencia was able to get a shot on target as Ecuador has been able to turn their defensive organization into a few chances. More will need to be done but hanging with Argentina out of the gate is an accomplishment. 

[Sep 7, 2023 at 8:23 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

How long will it take for Argentina's possession to become attacks?

One of the hallmarks of Argentina are that the squad bides their time before striking but even with this massive possession advantage, Argentina has only taken one shot. while that shows that Ecuador's defense is doing what they planned to, it also feels like a matter of time until Argentina strikes for a goal.

[Sep 7, 2023 at 8:15 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Ecuador can't get a foot on the ball

We're almost at the 10 minute mark and Argentina are holding an 85 to 15% advantage in possession. While Ecuador's defense has been there when needed, they've also made a fair share fo reckless fouls with Moises Caicedo already asking for a yellow card during the match. If they keep this up, La Tri will be down to 10 men before the end of the match.

[Sep 7, 2023 at 8:08 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

We're underway

Argentina are on the ball as expected with Ecuador trying to retreat into a back five. It will be quite a chess match but right out of the gate, Argentina are finding space if they can execute.

[Sep 7, 2023 at 7:52 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Prediction

With Messi and Alvarez finding the back of the net, Argentia's defense will again be able to take over the match and firmly control the flow. Pick: Argentina 2, Ecuador 0

[Sep 7, 2023 at 7:30 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Argentina storylines

Yet to lose a World Cup qualifying match since taking charge of Argentina, anything but a win would be a disappointment to Scaloni and the fans even with Ecuador's improved squad. Given the impressive form of Julian Alvarez, Argentia's attack will be ready. A force on the international stage, this is a match that will be played on Argentina's terms from start to finish.

[Sep 7, 2023 at 7:21 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Ecuador are going defensive

A team that can go on the attack, Ecuador needs to stay in their positions facing opposition as tough as Argentina.

Starters: Galindez, Estupinan, Pacho, Arboleda, Torres, Hurtado, Caicedo, Cifuentes, Gruezo, Plata, Valencia

[Sep 7, 2023 at 7:19 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Argentina's lineup is in

Messi starts the match and while Angel Di Maria is on the bench, Argentina will have quite a strong side for this one.

Starterts: Martinez, Molina, Romero, Otamindi, Tagliafico, De Paul, Fernandez, Mac Allister, Messi, Martinez, Gonzalez

[Sep 7, 2023 at 7:13 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

How to watch and odds

• Date: Thursday, Sept. 7 | Time: 8 p.m. ET
• Location: Estadio Monumental -- Buenos Aires, Argentina
• TV: Telemundo | Live stream: fubo (try for free)
• Odds: Argentina -310; Draw +340; Ecuador +900 

[Sep 7, 2023 at 7:13 pm ET · Chuck Booth]

Hello and welcome

It's almost time for World Cup qualifying to kick off for La Albiceleste and while it feels like the cycle started earlier and earlier each time qualifying is almost a formality for Argentina. With Messi in good form for Inter Miami, this could be a chance for Lionel Scaloni to take a look at what he has in other members of the team in a match that they should win versus Ecuador.