Lionel Messi, the Argentina captain, scored a penalty in the 13th minute as the two-time Football World Cup winners started their qualification for the 2022 FIFA World Cup on a positive note with a 1-0 win against Ecuador on Friday. Argentina had more possession and spent more time on Ecuador’s side of the field in the first half. Argentina took the lead early in the half after Lucas Ocampos was fouled inside the box and Lionel Messi scored the penalty kick with confidence.
Ecuador tried to attack and look for an equalizer but clearly lacked the talent as Argentina simply looked to hang on for the win and not create any more chances in the final minutes. The win is an important step for Argentina but they face a tough task as they head off on a road trip to La Paz where they will play Bolivia in their next game.
Looking to break World Cup jinx
Lionel Messi has achieved everything on the football field, be it the UEFA Champions League, La Liga title, Copa del Rey, Spanish Super Cup. However, for Argentina, the six-time Ballon D’Or winner has not win the Copa America as well as the World Cup.
In a report in china.org, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said Messi needed support from others and that Argentina already has the base to achieve success in the 2022 World Cup. “Messi needs two players ahead of him that he can assist, and sit deep, not at the tip. That's how we got results at the Brazil 2019 Copa America. We can say that there are seven or eight 'memory' players that are the foundation,” Scaloni said.
