Argentina kicked off their World Cup 2022 qualifying campaign by defeating Ecuador 1-0 at La Bombonera, home of Boca Juniors.
Lionel Messi reappeared with the Argentine national team after the end of his suspension from the South American Confederation “CONMEBOL” after his expulsion and his statements in the Chile match in the third-place match in the 2019 Copa America.
The match started early. A penalty kick in favor of the Tango was awarded by Chilean referee Roberto Tobar in the 11th minute. Messi went to it and deposited it in the net, announcing the progress of the home side.
Messi’s penalty kick was the only time the world’s best player six times touched the ball inside the penalty area during the match.
A fair goal by Messi, the balance of Uruguayan Luis Suarez, with 22 goals, is the top scorer in the South American World Cup qualifiers throughout its history.
The Argentine and Uruguayan duo equaled the Brazilian phenomenon, Ronaldo, with 39 goals in the official matches of the South American teams as the best scorer.
The first half did not witness many opportunities to end with the hosts’ progress with an unanswered goal.
In the 48th minute of the match, Lucas Ocampos almost scored the goal to increase the difference for Argentina, but goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez blocked his shot.
The poverty of the match appeared offensive between the two teams, as both of them only paid 10 times together against the other’s goal by 8 for Argentina and 2 for Ecuador, making it the lowest match to witness shots in the South American qualifiers during the last two versions of it.
Substitute Rodrigio de Paul almost scored the goal to boost Argentina’s lead in the fourth minute of time, instead of wasted, but his ball went past the left post.
The Argentine national team will travel to the second round in the capital, La Paz, against Bolivia, while Ecuador will host Uruguay in the next round.
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