Argentina, the Champions of the World, are back in action before they head into the Copa America. The La Albiceleste will play two warm-up matches before starting their mission in Copa. Argentina will play their first warm-up match tomorrow when they face off against Ecuador at Soldier Field in Chicago.
For the last few years, Argentina have been flying and have ended their 28 years of trophy drought by winning the Copa America in 2021. The Copa winner later won the Finalissima and FIFA World Cup in Qatar. However, Argentina are aiming to win back-to-back Copa America this term, and this warm-up match against Ecuador would give them a good start.
Argentine boss Lionel Scaloni is serious about this warm-up match and will use this game to give some minutes to some players. “The Copa América is always very difficult. Because the South American teams do not give you anything. Ecuador is a very good rival and can do great things, it is a good test. Beyond that, we will both use the game to add minutes to some players,” said Scaloni in the press conference.
Is Messi fit to start?
Lionel Messi, the Greatest of All Time, missed Argentina’s last two friendlies due to an injury. However, he has recovered and played Inter Miami’s last two matches and scored in both games.
But coach Lionel Scaloni doesn’t want to take any risks with Lionel Messi. As the manager has plenty of quality players, Lionel Messi will likely not play the full 90 minutes. The Argentine media stated that Leo would start from the bench and get onto the pitch in the second half.
“I do not have the team confirmed because I have to evaluate the changes. We asked to be able to do more than six and it’s not possible. Based on that we will decide the team, Leo will play and people will be able to see it for 30 minutes or 60,” Scaloni confirmed.
Therefore, Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez will start along with Angel Di Maria if Lionel Messi does not start.
In addition, Scaloni is likely to change the midfield as well. From the World Cup, Enzo Fernandez and Mac Allister have been the regular starter for Argentina. But since Fernandez had surgery, Scaloni will give him a rest. Leandro Parades and Giovani Lo Celso could return to the starting XI against Ecuador.
Possible Lineup for Argentina:
E Martínez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martínez, Marcos Acuña; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso; Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez and Ángel Di María.
Possible Lineup for Ecuador:
Dominguez; Pacho, Torres, Hincapie; Preciado, Caicedo, Ortiz, Gruezo, Sarmiento; Paez, Valencia
Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Ecuador
Ecuador have always been a difficult opponent, who can maintain a good defense. In their previous meeting with Ecuador, Argentina suffered a lot although they won by a tine 1-0 margin back in September 2023.
But Argentina are in a good rhythm and they won their last two games without Lione Messi. This time, the Albiceleste have Messi in their team and we expect Argentina to win the match tomorrow.
Betfair Odds
Argentina: 1.55
Draw: 3.94
Ecuador: 7.08
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