Argentina tackles Messi’s left foot in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers – World Cup 2026

In common vernacular, stepping in with your left foot usually means bad luck, but that’s not the case when it comes to Lionel Messi’s left foot. Champions Argentina began the qualifying phase for the 2026 World Cup with a 1-0 win over Ecuador, in a match played in the early hours of Friday, with Benfica’s Nicolas Otamendi among the key players and Di Maria starting from the bench.

The city of Buenos Aires hosted the world champions, who suffered a lot to defeat the 40th ranked player in the FIFA rankings, and the Inter Miami star, captain Albiceleste, saw the hero of the match scoring a wonderful goal. (78′) from a direct free kick, while the ‘video’ was on the field.

Enzo Fernandes, the former Benfica midfielder who now plays for Chelsea, was also among coach Lionel Scaloni’s initial choices, with the 22-year-old midfielder making his first appearance in a South American qualifier for Argentina, despite already having the World Cup on his roster. .

As for Lionel Messi, it was the third goal from a direct free kick in the last 12 matches, and it is the Argentine’s 65th goal in his career, which is equivalent to David Beckham occupying fifth place among the players who scored the most goals in this particular match. Leo is one goal away from reaching the record of his compatriot Victor Legrottagli, who finished his career with 66 direct free kicks, and is only surpassed by Brazilians Pele (70) and Juninho Pernambucano (77).