#819Career GoalLegendary
“Opening Argentina’s 2026 qualifying campaign as reigning world champions, Messi breaks Ecuador’s resistance with a late deadlock‑breaker in Buenos Aires, starting the road to another World Cup with career goal 819 and his 29th in World Cup qualifiers.”
Winning Goal
Year2023
WCQ#29
2023#12
Body PartLeft Foot
Shot Type—
Technique—
2023#1040
WCQ2023-09-07 · 21:00:00
Argentina1-0
Ecuador1G
In Argentina’s first 2026 qualifier as reigning world champions, Messi breaks stubborn Ecuador resistance with a late trademark free-kick winner, turning a tight opener into a statement start to the campaign at age 36.
Minute78'
Score
0-0→1-0
xG
—
Impact
Winning Goal
Similar Goals
Goal#194
2011
In a tense El Clásico Champions League semi-final deadlocked at 0–0, Messi latches onto Afellay’s low cross to break Madrid’s resistance and give Barcelona a crucial first-leg lead, on the way to a brace and his 35th Champions League goal.
Knockout StageWinning Goal
@
Real Madrid0–2
Apr 27Goal#581
2017
With Argentina’s World Cup hopes hanging in the balance in Quito, Messi restores a 2–1 lead over Ecuador on the way to a rescue hat-trick, his second strike of the night and 20th goal in World Cup qualifiers.
Hat-trickWinning Goal
@Ecuador1–3Oct 10Goal#201
2011
With Porto’s keeper rushing out after a defensive mix-up, Messi calmly drags the ball around him and finishes from a tight central angle to break the deadlock in the Super Cup final, sealing his first goal in this competition and career strike number 201.
Left FootWinning Goal
@
Porto0–2
Aug 26Goal#260
2012
Against Milan in a tense quarter-final deadlock, Messi calmly sends the goalkeeper the wrong way from the spot to restore Barça’s lead before halftime and bring up his 51st Champions League goal.
Knockout StageWinning Goal
vs
Milan3–1Apr 3Goal Sequence
No data
ReceiptCarryDribbleShotUnder PressureWith ballPass
ReceiptCarryDribbleShotPass
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