Argentina vs Ecuador, 5 talking points from the Lionel Messi masterclass

#4. Ecuador's youngsters show the future is bright

The excellent Romario Ibarra celebrates his goal

There were rumours circulating that after Ecuador's truly abysmal run in the World Cup Qualifiers - four straight losses that dashed their hopes of qualification, there had been a major falling out that had resulted in the senior members boycotting the team and their Argentine coach Jorge Celico.

With the mood not improved by a fifth defeat on the eve of Argentina's visit, Celico had a lot on the line... but chose to trust his instincts and lined up a bunch of local lads and youngsters and asked them to go for it from the off.

Sure, in the end, it was a sixth straight loss, but this one was one of those defeats that one can only call glorious. The Ecuadorians attacked all night long - backed by an electric atmosphere in their home stadium - and never looked cowed or beaten for the vast majority of the match.

They rattled Argentina on numerous occasions and kept them on their toes throughout and in fairness looked much the more comfortable team when in possession of the ball.

Why did they lose then?

Well, it's like Jorge Sampaoli once said whilst coach of Sevilla... "Sometimes Messi let's you stop him. Sometimes he doesn't. Today he didn't."