Messi sentences Ecuador in the debut in Qualifiers

Argentina started his way to the Qatar 2022 World Cup with victory: a penalty goal from Lionel Messi after a foul on Lucas Ocampos was the difference, in a highly contested match, at times flat, but with which the one who wanted to propose a game won the three points.

At eleven minutes, another of Messi's classic starts in three quarters, between three he gives it to Lucas Ocampos and Pervis Estupiñán commits a penalty. Tobar did not hesitate to collect it and Lionel Messi converted with a cross shot to open the scoring at La Bombonera. Goal 71 for the Flea with the National Team.

Ecuador sought to recover the ball with an advanced and careless Argentina. But the plan did not work before the imprecise play of the midfielders. The Armani bow was very far from Valencia and Mena, those called to hurt the Albiceleste team.

Despite the Argentine initiative, if it weren't for Messi's starts, it didn't generate too many chances. A very monotonous context where Ecuador never changed the idea even with the disadvantage on the scoreboard. Argentina did not have the imagination or change of pace to disturb the visit.

At the start of the complement, Argentina seemed more aggressive. The vision of Lautaro Martínez allowed him to lower the ball to Lucas Ocampos for a crossed shot that Alexander Domínguez had to do his best to get to the corner. But it was a mirage. Argentina still could not find an associated game. Neither Paredes nor Lo Celso found a clear pass to connect for the attack. A continuation of what was the first half.

Ecuador did not finish encouraging to attack Argentina or take advantage of the mistakes of the midfield. He did not have the job or the football to arrive clearly before Armani, despite the fact that at the end, he timidly tried to arrive with crossed balls and centers. The visiting team was halfway there and had no arguments to achieve a draw.

It was a 1-0 victory that gives peace of mind. But in a tough South American tie, Argentina will have to improve, because with other rivals, it can have a very bad time if it does not find the ways to hurt, out of the starts of Messi, who once again sentenced his rivals.