Preview for Ecuador v Argentina
Lionel Messi will sit out tomorrow night’s final World Cup qualifier for Argentina as they visit Ecuador.
Messi cut an emotional figure as he played potentially his last match for his country on home soil as the world champions beat Venezuela last week.
The 38-year-old was joined on the pitch by his three sons before the game and appeared to shed a tear before scoring twice as Argentina won 3-0.
Messi has not always received the same adulation in his homeland as he has elsewhere but his role in two Copa America crowns and the World Cup success in Qatar has changed the perception of a player who left for Europe when he was still a boy.
“It’s always a joy to play in Argentina with our people. I’m very happy. Being able to finish in this way here is what I always dreamed of,” he said after the game.
“For many years I have had the affection of Barcelona, and my dream was to have it here too, in my country with my people.”
With that occasion now done, and qualification and top spot in the Conmebol qualifying section long since secured, Messi has been told to return to Miami and rest.
Argentina have dominated South American football for several years and a win here, coupled with favourable results elsewhere, could see them break their own record by winning the Conmebol section by a record margin.
They are currently 10 points clear of Brazil and 11 ahead of Uruguay. The record is 12 points set by the team that qualified for the 2002 World Cup, spearheaded by Gabriel Batistuta and Juan Sebastian Veron.
Ecuador can also reflect on a hugely satisfying qualification period. They have already secured their place in the United States, Canada and Mexico and a fifth successive clean sheet will see them equal the record for the fewest goals conceded in one Conmebol campaign.
Team News for Ecuador v Argentina
In addition to Messi, Cristian Romero will also miss the game in Guayaquil due to suspension.
Leonardo Balerdi will come in for Romero while boss Lionel Scaloni could reshuffle his forward options by bringing in Lautaro Martinez and switching Julian Alvarez to the right of a front three.
Alan Franco could come back into the Ecuador midfield after missing the goalless draw with Paraguay on Thursday.
Predicted line-ups for Ecuador v Argentina
Ecuador: Galindez; Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie, Estupinan; Franco, Alcivar, Vite; Paez, Angulo, Valencia
Argentina: Martinez; Molina, Balerdi, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Gonzalez, De Paul, Paredes, Almada, Alvarez, Martinez
How to watch Ecuador v Argentina: TV and online streams
Ecuador versus Argentina kicks off at midnight tomorrow (Tuesday into Wednesday). It can be watched on UK Premier Sports 1.
The game is being streamed on the Premier Sports app.
Stats for Ecuador v Argentina
- Ecuador have drawn eight of their 17 World Cup qualifiers 0-0
- Their last four games have all ended goalless
- Ecuador have not scored since Enner Valencia netted a brace in March’s 2-1 victory over Venezuela
- Argentina have gone six games without defeat. Their last loss came against Paraguay in November 2024
- Argentina have not lost to Ecuador since 2015
Prediction for Ecuador v Argentina
With Argentina lacking the creative genius of Messi and the home side boasting an impregnable defence, goals may be few and far between.
The visitors could be forgiven for coasting through the game given they have already qualified, although Ecuador will be eager to get one over the region’s top dogs.
It’s impossible to go against Argentina given their recent form but we think Ecuador will get something.
