Lionel Messi Equals Luis Suarez’s Record With Stunning Free Kick for Argentina, Video
- Lionel Messi scored another beautiful free kick in the opening round of 2026 South American World Cup qualifiers
- Messi's ingenuity was the difference between the two sides as they began their title defence
- He equalled the record of his former teammate at Barcelona, Luis Suarez
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Lionel Messi continued with his impeccable form for club and country by scoring a late free-kick in the South American qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup.
Argentinahosted Ecuador at theEstadio Más Monumental in Buenos Aires on September 8 as began to defend a title they won last year in Qatar.
The visitors proved to be worthy opponents, restricting the World Champions to only a few opportunities. Inter Milan skipper Lautaro Martinez had the best opportunity of the game at the stroke of half-time but saw his effort hit the post.
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Football Lionel Messi's free-kick against EcuadorBut as Messi always does, he stepped up in the 78th minute, curling in a wonderful free-kick to break the deadlock.
The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner was later hooked off in the 89th minute, with Bayer Leverkusen's Exequiel Palacios replacing him.
Lionel Scaloni's charges held on to begin their campaign with maximum points. Messi's goal saw him equal Luis Suarez's record of the player with the most number of goals in South America's WorldCup qualifiers, as captured by data from Transfermarkt.
Prior to the Ecuador game, Suarez was at 29 goals with his former Barcelonateammate a goal behind him. With Suarez not called up for this round of qualifiers, the Inter Miami striker will have an opportunity to pull clear when he travels to Bolivia next week
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