Messi drives forward and wins a free kick in Ecuador’s half, putting Argentina in an advanced attacking position.

Messi commits a foul in midfield, briefly halting Argentina’s attacking momentum.

Messi unleashes a left-footed shot from outside the box that whistles just wide of the right post after a layoff from Alexis Mac Allister.

Messi again draws defenders and wins another free kick in the attacking half, keeping Ecuador under pressure.

Messi slips a pass to Enzo Fernández, whose powerful right-footed effort from outside the box is blocked by the Ecuador defense.

Messi is whistled for a handball, conceding possession and an attacking opportunity for Ecuador.

Messi combines with Nicolás Tagliafico, setting him up for a fierce left-footed strike from distance that crashes off the crossbar.

Messi curls a left-footed shot from outside the box toward the bottom left corner, but the Ecuador goalkeeper dives to make the save after a pass from Rodrigo De Paul.

Messi breaks the deadlock with a stunning left-footed free kick, bending the ball into the top left corner to put Argentina 1–0 up.

Messi makes a run in behind to latch onto a through ball from Julián Álvarez but is flagged offside, stopping a promising attack.

Messi leaves the pitch to warm applause, replaced by Exequiel Palacios for the closing minutes.