Thanks to Lionel Messi, Argentina made a winning start on the road to Qatar in 2022 on Thursday.
With a 1-0 victory over Ecuador, Argentina opened their CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying campaign, Lionel Messi was the hero.
The 13th-minute penalty for the superstar captain settled the game in Buenos Aires after Messi and Argentina eventually took to the pitch at the famed La Bombonera on Thursday.
To open the scoring in just 13 minutes Argentina was given the opportunity when Ecuadorian defender Pervis Estupinan ‘s wild challenge chopped down Lucas Ocampos within the penalty area, and Messi made no mistake from the spot.
Lionel Scaloni’s Argentina dictated proceedings, but in their first international matches in almost a year, both teams struggled for fluidity.
