The final matchday of the South American World Cup qualifiers brings a fresh storyline for Argentina. With Lionel Messi absent, coach Lionel Scaloni has opened the door for players like Lautaro Martinez to step into the spotlight. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM ET.
Argentina traveled without Messi, who was left out of the squad by Scaloni. In the previous match against Venezuela, it was Franco Mastantuono who got the chance in the starting lineup, but this time the teenager will wait on the bench.
The absence of defensive leader Cristian “Cuti” Romero, suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card against Venezuela, further forced Scaloni into changes. Leonardo Balerdi will start in central defense alongside Nicolás Otamendi, while Gonzalo Montiel takes over the right-back position to give Nahuel Molina a rest. Up front, Martínez returns to the starting XI replacing Julián Álvarez.
Ecuador already qualified, but strong
On the other side, Ecuador enters the match already qualified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a testament to the work of Argentine coach Sebastián Beccacece. The Tricolor has been one of the surprise packages of the qualifiers, showing consistency and resilience.
Argentina will be looking for its fourth World Cup title in this tournament, which will be Lionel Messi’s last.
They welcome back Alan Franco, who returns from suspension, while star midfielder Moisés Caicedo is fit again and ready to anchor the midfield. Up front, Enner Valencia will lead the line alongside Kevin Rodríguez, with Gonzalo Plata.
see also
Lionel Messi out of Argentina squad: Who will reportedly wear his iconic No. 10 vs. Ecuador?
Confirmed lineups
Ecuador: Hernán Galíndez; Ángelo Preciado, Willian Pacho, Joel Ordoñez, Piero Hincapié; Moisés Caicedo, Alan Franco, Pedro Vite; Gonzalo Plata, Enner Valencia, Nilson Angulo.
Argentina: Emiliano Martínez; Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Nicolás Otamendi, Nicolás Tagliafico; Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolás González; Lautaro Martínez.
This matchup may not carry the same weight as other qualifiers since both teams are already through. For Argentina, it’s a chance to test depth and give young players opportunities. For Ecuador, it’s another opportunity to fine-tune ahead of the World Cup.
