Messi's Free-Kick Goal Leads Argentina to Victory Over Ecuador
Argentina Defeats Ecuador 1-0 in Copa América 2024 Quarterfinal
Messi Scores Stunning Free-Kick Goal in First Half
Argentina secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Ecuador in the quarterfinals of the Copa América 2024, thanks to a stunning free-kick goal from Lionel Messi. The match, played at the Estadio Bicentenario in San Juan, was a closely contested affair, but Messi's brilliance proved to be the difference-maker.
The only goal of the match came in the 32nd minute. Messi, who had been a constant threat throughout the first half, was awarded a free-kick just outside the Ecuadorian penalty area. The Argentine captain stepped up and curled a beautiful shot into the top corner of the net, giving Ecuadorian goalkeeper Alexander Domínguez no chance.
Ecuador fought back valiantly in the second half, but they were unable to find an equalizer. Argentina held on for a narrow victory, securing their place in the semifinals of the Copa América 2024.
Messi's goal was his 94th for Argentina, moving him just four goals behind Gabriel Batistuta's national record. It was also his sixth goal in the Copa América, tying him for the all-time scoring record in the competition.
Argentina will now face Brazil in the semifinals of the Copa América 2024. The match will be a rematch of the 2021 Copa América final, which Brazil won 1-0.
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