Argentina beat Ecuador 1-0 at the start of the qualifiers, with a free-kick goal from captain Lionel Messi.

The match at River Stadium in Buenos Aires was another chapter in the Albiceleste's celebration of the World Cup victory in Qatar 2022.

Some 80,000 spectators cheered on the national team, who were solid in all areas against a tough opponent.

The performance of Tottenham Spur's Cristian "Cuti" Romero stood out, not only in his defensive role but also in several attacking situations.

After the match, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni compared the defender to the character "He Man".

Messi asked to come off shortly after the match and passed the captain's armband to the Albiceleste's other veteran, Angel di Maria.

Scaloni acknowledged that the coaching staff will analyze the Inter Miami player's condition to see if he will take part in the next qualifier appointment.

Argentina visit Bolivia next Tuesday in La Paz in the run-up to the USA-Canada-Mexico World Cup in 2026.

It is worth mentioning that with yesterday's goal, Messi is the all-time top scorer in the South American qualifiers along with Uruguay's Luis Suarez, both with 28 goals.