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The 33-year-old great has been in open conflict with his club, but it didn’t have a detrimental effect on his form, as his 13-minute penalty made the difference in a close encounter.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi appears during the 2022 FIFA World Cup South American qualifying soccer match against Ecuador at La Bombonera stadium in Buenos Aires on October 8, 2020, amid the new coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic. Image: AFP.
BUENOS AIRES – Lionel Messi put his struggles with Barcelona behind him to lead Argentina to an opening 1-0 victory over Ecuador in qualifying for the World Cup on Thursday.
The 33-year-old great has been in open conflict with his club, but it didn’t have a detrimental effect on his form, as his 13-minute penalty made the difference in a close encounter.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner tried unsuccessfully to break through to the Catalan giants in the closed season, but seemed much happier in his country’s light blue and white jersey.
And Argentina needed him to be in top form in a bid to avoid slipping at home to Ecuador for the second time in a row in a World Cup opener after losing 2-0 to the same opponents four years ago.
In the surreal atmosphere of an empty Bombonera, the iconic Buenos Aires stadium that usually rebounds from the passion of ardent fans was rendered sterile by coronavirus restrictions, Argentina never seemed to be in danger of another shocking defeat.
Unsurprisingly, the hosts dominated possession but struggled to break up an organized and physical Ecuador team that proved to be a different proposition than the one sent 6-1 in a friendly a year ago.
The breakthrough came after a reckless challenge from Pervis Estupinan sent Lucas Ocampo into the box, and Messi stepped forward to score his 71st international goal.
Ocampos was presented with a glorious opportunity to double the lead early in the second half, but goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez dove long to avoid his low shot from eight yards.
Rodrigo De Paul shot very little for the hosts with the last kick of the match.
In Montevideo, Luis Suárez scored a record 60 international goals for Uruguay before substitute Maxi Gómez scored a goal in added time against Chile.
Atlético de Madrid striker Suárez opened the scoring from the penalty spot in the 39th minute after Sebastián Vegas was severely sanctioned for handball.
Inter Milan’s Alexis Sanchez tied with a low shot in the 54th minute, but Gomez had the last word with an impressive half volley from 20 yards to complete the 2-1 victory.
It was an honor even between Paraguay and Peru in Asunción, as Ángel Romero for the hosts and Andre Carrillo scored a double.
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