Lionel Messi once again exhibited class to help Argentina record another victory as they began their qualification for the 2026 World Cup on a positive note.

A day after being nominated to vie for a record-extending 8th Ballon d’Or title, Messi bent in a wonderful free-kick against Ecuador on September 8 in what turned out to be the only goal of the game.

It is the first time since 1986 that the Albiceleste are beginning the qualifiers as the defending champions following their heroics in Qatar last year. They beat France on post-match penalties in an enthralling final.

Messi was in the mood at the Estadio Más Monumental. Apart from the goal, he employed his characteristic moves of trickery to help his side advance the ball forward. One of his victims was Chelsea’s new marquee signing, Moises Caicedo.

Caicedo, who has quickly become a midfield lynchpin for Ecuador, found himself on the wrong side of Messi as he attempted to close him down. The 115 million euros signing from Brighton was turned inside out, with the former Barcelona man managing to keep the ball out of his grasp.

The new Chelsea man is known for his timely interceptions and ball retrievals, but against Messi, he found his match. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner dropped a shoulder, pretended to go one way before quickly turning. He then slowed his pace before picking it up almost at the same time, leaving Caicedo sprawling on the turf.