TOUCHING MOMENT: Messi ran to hug Garnacho tightly after scoring stunning free-kick for Argentina

Another brilliant choice was Lionel Messi’s decision to continue playing for his country after winning the World Cup.

Five games after winning the sport’s highest honor, Messi scored another breathtaking goal to show that he is still worth his weight in gold for his nation.

He ran to the sidelines where Man United kid Garnacho was standing and embraced the rising star

Messi displayed no signs of slowing down at all in Argentina’s first World Cup qualifying match against Ecuador. Messi has joined Major League Soccer with Inter Miami.

And the 36-year-old curled in a spectacular free kick, leaving a hapless goalie alone in the middle of his goal, when his team was battling to score against a tenacious away squad.

It’s not known whether Messi will still be playing international football when the next World Cup starts

Messi raced for the sideline after reeling off what would end up being the game-winning goal in the 78th minute.

Alejandro Garnacho, a rising star for Manchester United, was there when he arrived, and he was given a big hug before a pile-on.

Garnacho's reaction when Leo Messi ran and hugged him after scoring a free  kick vs. Ecuador - YouTube

Although the winger was unable to come off the bench during the victory, Garnacho would have been able to cherish the moment in the Estadio Monumental, which seats 83,000 people.

Madrid-born When Cristiano Ronaldo played for Atletico Madrid in the Spanish capital, Garnacho developed into a fervent supporter.

When the Portuguese returned to United in 2021, his wish came true, and he got to see an amazing first season before a horrible second that only lasted until a December move to Al Nassr.

Argentina vs Ecuador live score, result, updates, highlights as Lionel Messi  starts 2026 World Cup qualifying | Sporting News Hong Kong

Due to a lot of mysterious social media statements, fans have long questioned which side of the “Greatest of all Time” debate Garnacho supports. However, his Monumental moment with Messi may finally put their minds at ease.

Everyone wants to defeat Argentina, and Messi is not one to let his standards slide.

“Even more so now that we are world champions. We cannot descend because of this. Even more than we were doing is required of us. Every game is in high demand, and it keeps becoming higher.

Argentina vs Ecuador score, result, highlights as Lionel Messi delivers  again to begin World Cup qualifying | Sporting News Canada

After competing against him in America when Charlotte FC faced Inter Miami, Ashley Westwood told talkSPORT that he still has a competitive attitude.

“I knew he was going to be terrific, but to be that brilliant was simply stupid, utterly ridiculous, to play against him.

I tried to kick him, but I was unable to even approach him. He’s unique, but I don’t believe he was that happy because he just kept staring at us and didn’t use his English very much.