Lionel Messi

Argentina got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to the perfect start on Thursday when Lionel Messi's early penalty gave them a 1-0 win over Ecuador in a lackluster match in Buenos Aires.

The Argentine FA piped fan noise around the empty Bombonera stadium and the chants of "Messi! Messi!" were vindicated as early as the 12th minute when he put Argentina ahead from the spot after Lucas Ocampos was fouled inside the penalty area.

VIGO, Spain — Barcelona defender Sergi Roberto praised his captain Lionel Messi for a sensational display in his side's 3-0 win away to Celta Vigo in LaLiga on Thursday, as the Argentinean further demonstrated he has put his troubles with the club behind him.

After Ansu Fati had opened the scoring, Messi helped double Barca's advantage early in the second half with an unstoppable run down the right hand side of the area and a shot that bounced off Celta's Lucas Olaza and into the net for an own goal.