Updated On: 09 September, 2023 09:38 AM IST | Montevideo (Uruguay) | AFP
“Ecuador showed they have very good players, that they are physically strong and that they are clear about what they do,” Messi said

Argentina’s Lionel Messi (left) scores off a free kick against Ecuador during their World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires on Thursday. Pic/AFP
A trademark, curling free-kick from Lionel Messi got world champions Argentina off to a winning start in South American World Cup qualifying on Thursday with a 1-0 victory at home to Ecuador.
Colombia beat Venezuela 1-0, while 10-man Peru held on for a 0-0 draw at Paraguay as the long journey of South American qualifying for the 2026 World Cup got under way.