Overview

• Lionel Messi scored a free-kick goal against Ecuador in a World Cup qualifier, giving Argentina a 1-0 win.
• The goal was Messi's 65th career free-kick goal and tied Luis Suarez's record for most free kick goals in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying history with 29.
• Ecuador's 5-3-2 formation made it difficult for Argentina to break through their defense.
• Messi was heavily marked by multiple Ecuador defenders but still managed to score the winning goal on a curling free kick.
• The victory keeps Argentina's World Cup qualification hopes alive going into the final matchday.