“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.”
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.