“It was not easy to keep three points”, “Demand debut against Ecuador” and “Argentina had a hard time finding their way”, commented the Argentine press on the victory over La Tri in the South American qualifiers

It was a tough game for the Argentinian media when the Ecuadorian team faced Albiceleste, which they managed to beat with a great free kick goal from crack Lionel Messi starts with a win against his fans, at the Mâs Monumental stadium in Buenos Aires, at the start of the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.

ole He commented that “it was not easy to keep three points in this debut. The connected play inside that so distinguishes this national team, and which was crucial to the dedication in Qatar, practically did not appear in the first half. It had its own flaws but also other people’s virtues”.

“More pride and will than a good game, Argentina overcame Ecuador.” With a monopoly of possession (76% in favor in ST), with Di María also walking the straight line, with the income of Paredes and Julián, he cornered him. Until that free kick came and the cell phones went off. “Messi rubbed the lamp, that is, that left leg, and with a perfect shot scored the result, which at that moment was already the football supremacy of the national team,” he added.

infobae He emphasized that “the world champion’s team had a demanding debut against Ecuador at the Monumental Stadium and started the qualifying rounds with a costly victory thanks to Lionel Messi’s fantastic free kick goal in the 77th minute. When it seemed that the game was over, and the visitors were satisfied with the point, a great football idol appeared to blow up the stadium”.

AND Nation He stated: “The world champion went from the biggest to the smallest in the first half, against an opponent who managed to receive and balance everything. It seemed that the goal was about to be scored, but only when Lionel Messi rubbed the lamp (actually, when he caressed the ball with his left foot) did the whole stadium cheer for the goal. A great free kick against which goalkeeper Galíndez could do nothing. The Rosario star was surprised to be substituted minutes before the final whistle and anticipated: “It probably won’t be the last time he comes out during the game.” A good start, with a win and an approved performance”.

rotary Clarion He noted: “He had to turn up for the national team to start winning their way to the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Messi is the talk of the town, the one who never disappoints. Scaloneta had no way against tough Ecuador until Lautaro Martínez was fouled near the area and Flea grabbed the ball with both hands as if enjoying something already. All cell phones switched to video mode. And the captain didn’t fail: he scored brilliantly with his left foot for the final 1-0″.

web portal TyC Sports commented: “Tough opposition found the Albiceleste in Ecuador, forcing them to lateralize their play and then outrun and outnumber him by clustering men in the middle. The hosts struggled to keep up with the always complicated South American game, Messi was always covered and forced Scaloni to start thinking about options. There was no shortage of friction and strong legs in the series of resources to visit, and with public pressure, the process did not heat up for long.

website of Body exposed: “A cold night in Buenos Aires was compounded by a collectively lackluster performance, although Messi emerged, as always, to hand him the win in keeping with today’s time where the poster is getting bigger and bigger.”

Next Tuesday, Argentina will visit Bolivia in La Paz (3:00 p.m.), and Ecuador will play against Uruguay (4:00 p.m.). (D)

South American qualifiers 2026