Preview for Ecuador v Argentina
Lionel Messi will sit out tomorrow evening’s closing World Cup qualifier for Argentina as they go to Ecuador.
Messi minimize an emotional determine as he performed probably his final match for his nation on residence soil because the world champions beat Venezuela final week.
The 38-year-old was joined on the pitch by his three sons earlier than the sport and appeared to shed a tear before scoring twice as Argentina won 3-0.
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Messi has not at all times acquired the identical adulation in his homeland as he has elsewhere however his function in two Copa America crowns and the World Cup success in Qatar has modified the notion of a participant who left for Europe when he was nonetheless a boy.
“It’s at all times a pleasure to play in Argentina with our individuals. I’m very comfortable. Having the ability to end on this approach here’s what I at all times dreamed of,” he stated after the sport.
“For a few years I’ve had the love of Barcelona, and my dream was to have it right here too, in my nation with my individuals.”
With that event now finished, and qualification and high spot within the Conmebol qualifying part lengthy since secured, Messi has been instructed to return to Miami and relaxation.
Argentina have dominated South American soccer for a number of years and a win right here, coupled with beneficial outcomes elsewhere, may see them break their very own document by successful the Conmebol part by a document margin.
They’re at present 10 factors away from Brazil and 11 forward of Uruguay. The document is 12 factors set by the group that certified for the 2002 World Cup, spearheaded by Gabriel Batistuta and Juan Sebastian Veron.
Ecuador can even mirror on a massively satisfying qualification interval. They’ve already secured their place in america, Canada and Mexico and a fifth successive clear sheet will see them equal the document for the fewest targets conceded in a single Conmebol marketing campaign.
Crew Information for Ecuador v Argentina
Along with Messi, Cristian Romero will even miss the sport in Guayaquil as a consequence of suspension.
Leonardo Balerdi will are available in for Romero whereas boss Lionel Scaloni may reshuffle his ahead choices by bringing in Lautaro Martinez and switching Julian Alvarez to the suitable of a entrance three.
Alan Franco may come again into the Ecuador midfield after lacking 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
Learn how to watch Ecuador v Argentina: TV and on-line streams
Ecuador versus Argentina kicks off at midnight tomorrow (Tuesday into Wednesday). It may be watched on UK Premier Sports activities 1.
The sport is being streamed on the Premier Sports activities app.
Stats for Ecuador v Argentina
- Ecuador have drawn eight of their 17 World Cup qualifiers 0-0
- Their final 4 video games have all ended goalless
- Ecuador haven’t scored since Enner Valencia netted a brace in March’s 2-1 victory over Venezuela
- Argentina have gone six video games with out defeat. Their final loss got here in opposition to Paraguay in November 2024
- Argentina haven’t misplaced to Ecuador since 2015
Prediction for Ecuador v Argentina
With Argentina missing the artistic genius of Messi and the house aspect boasting an impregnable defence, targets could also be few and much between.
The guests might be forgiven for coasting by means of the sport given they’ve already certified, though Ecuador will probably be desirous to get one over the area’s high canine.
It’s inconceivable to go in opposition to Argentina given their latest type however we predict Ecuador will get one thing.
