BUENOS AIRES, Oct 9, 2020 (BSS/AFP) – Lionel Messi put his Barcelona
troubles behind him to fire Argentina to an opening 1-0 victory over Ecuador
in World Cup qualifying on Thursday.
The 33-year-old great has been in open conflict with his club but it had no
detrimental effect on his form as his 13th minute penalty was the difference
in a tight encounter.
The six-time Ballon d’Or winner unsuccessfully tried to force his way out
of the Catalan giants in the close season but he seemed much happier in the
light blue and white jersey of his country.
And Argentina needed him to be on top form in a bid to avoid slipping up at
home to Ecuador for the second successive time in an opening World Cup
qualifier having lost 2-0 to the same opponents four years ago.
In the surreal atmosphere of an empty Bombonera — the iconic stadium in
Buenos Aires that is usually bouncing from the passion of fervent fans was
left barren by coronavirus restrictions — Argentina never looked in danger
of another shock defeat.
The hosts predictably dominated possession but struggled to break down an
organized and physical Ecuador outfit that proved a different proposition to
the one dispatched 6-1 in a friendly a year ago.
The breakthrough came after a reckless challenge by Pervis Estupinan sent
Lucas Ocampo sprawling in the box, with Messi stepping up to lash home his
71st international goal.
Ocampos was presented with a glorious chance to double the lead early in
the second half but goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez dived full length to keep
out his low shot from eight yards.
Rodrigo De Paul fired narrowly wide for the hosts with the last kick of the
match.
In Montevideo, Luis Suarez scored a record extending 60th international
goal for Uruguay before substitute Maxi Gomez bagged an injury time winner
against Chile.
Atletico Madrid forward Suarez opened the scoring from the penalty spot on
39 minutes after Sebastian Vegas was harshly penalized for handball.
Inter Milan’s Alexis Sanchez equalised with a low shot on 54 minutes but
Gomez had the last word with a stunning half-volley from 20 yards to complete
the 2-1 win.
It was honors even between Paraguay and Peru in Asuncion as Angel Romero
for the hosts and Andre Carrillo both scored a brace.