Ecuador VS Argentina: Prediction

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Prediction: Ecuador 0-2 Argentina
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The qualifying campaign for Argentina comes to a close today when they play Ecuador away from home. It has been a very successful qualifier for the Albiceleste, securing 12 wins out of 17 games. Argentina already have qualified for the FIFA World Cup 2026, and are leading the point table with 38 points. They are 10 points ahead of their closest rival, Brazil.

After a dominating win over Venezuela, where Lionel Messi scored a brace, the Albiceleste are looking forward to signing off from the qualifiers with another victory against Ecuador. However, Ecuador have also qualified for the upcoming World Cup, securing 26 points from 17 games. But they have tied all of their last four games in the qualifiers, so they will try hard to return to the winning track when they face Argentina today.

But Ecuador have a very poor record against Argentina. They have failed to win any of their last eight meetings with the Albiceleste. The last victory for Ecuador against Argentina came on October 8, 2015. Since then, Argentina have won six and tied 2 meetings with Ecuador, including a dominating 3-1 victory where Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick. The two teams played 41 games against each other, where Argentina secured 24 wins and Ecuador have only 5 wins.

Team News

It is confirmed that Lionel Messi will not play in this match against Ecuador. The match against Venezuela was his last home game for Argentina, and he returned to Florida to play with Inter Miami. Messi said, “I spoke with Scaloni. He decided that I should rest. I’m coming off an injury. Although I’m fine now, we prefer not to have me travel and have to play another match, to prepare for what’s coming up, which is important. We’re playing for the MLS, that’s a goal. I hope to be okay.”

So Almada is likely to wear Messi’s iconic number 10 shirt, while Lautaro Martinez is expected to start against Ecuador. Cuti Romero will miss the match due to a suspension following his fourth yellow card in the qualifiers, which opens the door for Leonardo Balerdi.

As for Ecuador, Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo is in doubt ahead of the game. But Alan Franco is now back after his one-game suspension.

Possible Lineup for Ecuador:

Galindez; Ordonez, Pacho, Hincapie, Estupinan; Franco, Alcivar, Vite; Paez, Angulo, Valencia

Possible Lineup for Argentina:

Martinez; Molina, Balerdi, Otamendi, Tagliafico; Gonzalez, De Paul, Paredes, Almada; Martinez, Alvarez

Prediction: Ecuador 0-2 Argentina

Argentina hold a very strong record against Ecuador. The World Champions are unstoppable, and even without Lionel Messi, the team has the ability to defeat any team in the world. Although Ecuador will have the home advantage, Argentina are the clear favorite here.