WATCH: “Truly deserve the 8th Ballon d’Or”- Fans elated as Lionel Messi scores supernova freekick for Argentina against Ecuador

Lionel Messi surpasses David Beckham's record.

WATCH: “Truly deserve the 8th Ballon d’Or”- Fans elated as Lionel Messi scores supernova freekick for Argentina against Ecuador

Messi Goal vs Ecuador (Source: GOL)

Lionel Messi‘s mesmerizing performance led Argentina to a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in the Qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at Monumental de Nuñez. Marking this as the start of the World Cup title defense of the Argentinians.

It was Lionel Messi‘s fifth free-kick goal of 2023. A perfect curler of a shot sealed the victory for his national side. Argentina’s midfield, led by De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, and Alexis Mac Allister, remained utterly disciplined throughout the game. It was a similar performance to how these players played in the 2022 World Cup.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJm2g-xNBv0

While the contest was far from one-sided, Messi’s brilliance separated the two sides. His world class free-kick in the 78th minute, left Ecuador’s goalkeeper, Gallinez, with no chance. Argentina’s hard-fought victory is another example of their captain’s unmatched talent. With Lionel Messi in their squad, they will believe they could once again take on the world without having to fear.

Next up they face Bolivia, and another Messi Magic show is incoming. The task at hand seems easy enough to tumble, but this is football. Fans saw how the Argentinians struggled against Ecuador. But Argentina, the World Champions, will hope to breeze past their Bolivian counterparts on the 12th of September.

Related: “He made me cuddle my teammate,” Lionel Messi’s opponent hilariously explains attempt to tackle Argentinian

Twitter reacts to Lionel Messi’s magic against Ecuador

Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi (via CNN)

As Lionel Messi surpassed David Beckham‘s record for the most free-kick goals, football fans took to social media and just appreciated the Argenitne’s brilliance. Some were left out of words while watching him perform at his best, yet again. The die-hard Messi fans called out to the authorities to hand their GOAT the Ballon d’Or already.

https://twitter.com/kojo_mondae/status/1699444718705234427?s=20

As Argentina begins its campaign for the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers, manager Lionel Scaloni has already made it clear how he plans to use Messi as one of his deadliest assets. This was just the earlier of the tests for Argentina, on their road to defending the World Cup. What lies ahead of them will be reflective of whether they are consistent enough in their performances and how composed under pressure they remain.

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