Emi Martinez makes special request to Lionel Messi after Argentina’s win over Ecuador in first match of South American World Cup 2026 qualifiers

The 2022 FIFA World Cup champions Argentina defeated Ecuador on Thursday, September 7 in Buenos Aires in the first match of the South American World Cup 2023 qualifiers. Argentina won the match 1-0 and the only goal of the match was scored by one and only the legendary footballer Lionel Messi.

Meanwhile, Argentina’s veteran goalkeeper Emi Martinez reveals that he wants to request Messi to not take retirement and play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup as well which will be played in the US and Mexico. Messi has been performing phenomenally in the USA’s Major League Soccer (MLS) for Inter Miami

“I want to ask Messi to never leave, hopefully, play the 2026 World Cup.” Martinez was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda.

It was a very difficult match, very physical: Lionel Messi

Argentina might have won the match by Ecuador giving a tough to the champions, however, it was Messi who as usual played as a saviour and scored a brilliant goal with a free kick leading his team to the win. Messi talked about the match in the post-match presentation and appreciated Ecuador’s players for performing brilliantly against them. Messi said that they have to work hard to qualify for the FIFA World Cup.

“We know that these are difficult matches in the qualifiers. Ecuador has very good players, they know what they are doing and they are very good physically. It was a very difficult match, very physical. I was a little tired so I was substituted out but I felt good. “Not long ago we were World champions but it seems like a lot has happened. We have to keep going, competing and qualifying for the next World Cup, going game after game.” Messi was quoted as saying by Sportskeeda.

“It was shown in the friendlies we played and today for the points that the group is not going to relax. Everyone wants to beat Argentina and now that we are champions, even more so.” he added.