Argentina got its 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign off to a winning start thanks to a sublime Lionel Messi free kick against Ecuador. With the score still goalless after 78 minutes, Messi stepped up and curled a pinpoint effort over the defenders’ wall, rooting goalkeeper Hernán Galíndez to the spot. It proved to be the winner for Argentina and the Inter Miami forward then received a huge standing ovation when he was substituted in the 89th minute. Click on the link in our bio to read more (📸 Daniel Jayo/Getty Images).⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #LionelMessi #Argentina #WorldCupQualifiers #Football #Instafootball