Messi wins a free kick in the attacking half, giving Argentina an early chance to push Ecuador back and build pressure. He draws the foul with his positioning high up the pitch.

Messi delivers the ball following a corner, setting up Ángel Di María whose left‑footed shot from the left side of the box goes just wide of the right post. It’s an early creative contribution that nearly brings Argentina level.

Messi equalises for Argentina with a composed left‑footed finish from the centre of the box into the bottom left corner, latching onto Ángel Di María’s assist. The goal calms Argentina after Ecuador’s early strike.

Messi breaks into the box on the left and fires a left‑footed shot that is heading for the bottom left corner, but the Ecuador keeper saves. Lucas Biglia supplied the pass to spring him through.

Messi wins another free kick in the attacking half, drawing a foul as he looks to drive Argentina forward. The set piece keeps Ecuador pinned back.

From outside the box, Messi unleashes a left‑footed effort that is blocked by the Ecuador defence. He creates space to shoot but can’t get the ball past the crowd of defenders.

Messi puts Argentina ahead with a brilliant left‑footed strike from the centre of the box into the top left corner. He drives at the defence and finishes ruthlessly to make it 2–1.

Messi commits a foul, halting Ecuador’s play as they try to break out. It’s a tactical infringement to disrupt the opposition’s transition.

Messi slips a precise through ball into the centre of the box for Ángel Di María, whose right‑footed shot is saved by the keeper. The pass slices open Ecuador’s defence but doesn’t result in a goal.

Messi wins yet another free kick in the attacking half, drawing contact as he looks to advance. Argentina use it to maintain sustained pressure on Ecuador.

Deep in his own half, Messi wins a free kick in defence, helping Argentina reset under pressure. His composure in the defensive phase stops an Ecuador attack from developing.

Messi completes his hat‑trick with a stunning long‑range left‑footed strike from outside the box into the top left corner, finishing off a move started by Nicolás Otamendi’s involvement. The goal effectively secures Argentina’s 3–1 win and World Cup qualification.

Messi is fouled on the left wing and wins a free kick in an advanced wide area, giving Argentina another opportunity to deliver into the box. His dribble draws the Ecuador defender into a mistimed challenge.

Messi drops deep and wins a free kick in the defensive half, slowing the game down and allowing Argentina to manage their lead. The foul he draws helps break Ecuador’s momentum.

Messi commits another foul late in the match, stopping an Ecuador move as they search for a way back. It’s a late tactical challenge to protect Argentina’s two‑goal cushion.