On Thursday, the Argentine team begins its South American qualifiers for the 2026 United States-Mexico-Canada World Cup. In the first points match after the establishment of Qatar in 2022, they had a strong home game and had a complicated duel with Ecuador at the Memorial Stadium. and artwork by Lionel Messi. so, The Rosario star joins Uruguayan Luis Suarez at the top of the all-time scorer’s list in qualifying The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) held 29 celebrations.
Things got complicated for Argentina. After a fiery start, Ecuador got physical and equalized with a clear White Celeste advantage. Archers had little involvement. Neither Emiliano “Dib” Martinez nor Hernan Galindez. Mistakes became commonplace on River Plate’s turf, with both teams taking fouls to gain possession of the ball. In that area, sometimes, local teams feel comfortable.
However, Lionel Scaloni’s side had to rely on the steadfastness of man-of-the-match Cristian ‘Cuti’ Romero to stay ahead of their opponents’ attacks. Always stay active. The Tottenham Hotspur centre-back had an outstanding night, winning 10 of his 14 duels and establishing himself as the player with the most recoveries in the competition (11). In the offensive area, Messi, who had barely participated in the first few minutes, appeared at the right time. He gave Argentina the lead with a superb free kick.
The player from Rosario placed the ball in the crescent in front of the goal and his perfect shot went over the barrier and faced the motionless goalkeeper to open the scoring. A great goal. as usual.Then He was substituted and received a round of applause. Exequiel Palacios came on with two minutes remaining and Ángel Di María retained his captaincy. Although Lionel Scaloni’s side came close to widening the gap, there was no time to do much more.
“We knew it was going to be difficult, we were playing against a great team that had been performing well since the last game, but “This group isn’t going to let up or they’re going to pass us.” Captain “Leo” said after the game. “I didn’t plan on going out, but I was tired and it just happened… It won’t be the last time I go out,” he added with a smile.
This Thursday, the world champions once again proved why they are the best team on the planet and got off to a great start in the qualifying rounds. They will face Bolivia again next Tuesday in La Paz, a complex at altitude. Second match of 2026 World Cup qualifiers It will start at 5pm (Argentina time).
The Argentine team will return to the Hernando Siles Stadium at an altitude of 3,581 meters after three years.He last appeared in 2020, recording a valuable 2-1 win Goals were scored by Lautaro Martinez and Joaquín Correa (the Bolivia goal was scored by Marcelo Moreno Martins, who went on to become the top scorer in Qatar’s 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign). The victory helped Argentina end Bolivia’s 15-year winless streak.