Less than nine months after winning the Gold Cup in Qatar, Lionel Messi’s Argentina team will face Ecuador in their opening 2026 World Cup qualifying match.

Di Maria came close to scoring in minute 85 with a shot that missed the goal post.

Argentina scored the game’s first goal in minute 77. When Messi took a straight free kick, the Ecuadorian goalkeeper was forced to watch as the ball struck the post and went into the goal.

Julian Alvarez was substituted in for Lautaro Martinez in minute 77.

Despite Messi’s dribbling the ball in front of the goal, his shot was not hazardous in minute 69.

Argentina stepped up their offensive in minute 61 by substituting Angel Di Maria for Nicolas Gonzalez.

Nicolas Tagliafico ran up and fired a powerful long-range shot that just barely brushed the crossbar in minute 58.

In a hectic situation in front of Ecuador’s goal in minute 55, Argentina was unable to score.

Enzo Fernandez attempted the opening shot of the second half in minute 50, but it was unsuccessful.

Round 1 is over. Argentina and Ecuador drew 0-0 at the Monumental in a tight game that featured numerous collisions in the middle of the field.

Minutes 45+2: Lautaro Martinez finished a cross from Rodrigo De Paul into the penalty area, but his shot hit the post.

45 minutes: After Argentina launched a risky attack, an Ecuadorian defender headed the ball directly toward the goal.

When the game’s pace calmed down in minute 35, Ecuador confidently deployed its play rather than defending.

Minute 28: Argentina makes another striking attack. After receiving a pass from the left, Lautaro Martinez fired once more, this time with his right foot in the goal.

Messi wasted the chance in minute 16. Argentina worked well together in front of the goal, and Alexis MacAllister gave the ball to Lionel Messi who hit the post with his shot.

In the fourth minute, Lautaro Martinez missed a golden opportunity to receive the ball after De Paul made a great pass to the right flank for Nahuel Molina to cross into the penalty area.

The 2026 World Cup qualification between Argentina and Ecuador has started!

The applause for the captain, Dibu Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul, Angel Di Maria, and Lionel Scaloni stood out among the cheers for the entire team when Argentina’s starting lineup was announced.

Getting ready at Monumental Stadium is Messi

The starting lineup for Argentina demonstrates that Lionel Scaloni selected Lautaro Martinez as Lionel Messi’s teammate rather than Julian Alvarez.

Lionel Messi and Lautaro Martinez are from Argentina, along with Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Nicolas Otamendi, and Nicolas Tagliafico. Other players include Rodrigo De Paul, Enzo Fernandez, Alexis McAllister, Nicolas Gonzalez, and Nicolas Gonzalez.