The ultimate matchday of the South American qualifiers brings a recent storyline for Argentina: Nico Paz will begin for the Albiceleste of their conflict in opposition to Ecuador in Guayaquil. With Lionel Messi absent, coach Lionel Scaloni has opened the door for the Como midfielder to step into the highlight. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 PM ET, and all eyes can be on the 19-year-old as he appears to be like to show himself within the senior squad.
Argentina traveled with out Messi, who was neglected of the squad by Scaloni. Within the earlier match in opposition to Venezuela, it was Franco Mastantuono who obtained the prospect within the beginning lineup, however this time {the teenager} will wait on the bench as Nico Paz will get his flip.
The absence of defensive chief Cristian “Cuti” Romero, suspended after selecting up his fifth yellow card in opposition to Venezuela, additional compelled Scaloni into adjustments. Leonardo Balerdi will begin in central protection alongside Nicolás Otamendi, whereas Gonzalo Montiel and Marcos Acuña take over the fullback positions to present Nahuel Molina and Nicolás Tagliafico a relaxation. Up entrance, Lautaro Martínez returns to the beginning XI to companion Julián Álvarez.
Ecuador already certified, however robust
On the opposite aspect, Ecuador enters the match already certified for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a testomony to the work of Argentine coach Sebastián Beccacece. The Tricolor has been one of many shock packages of the qualifiers, exhibiting consistency and resilience.
Argentina can be in search of its fourth World Cup title on this event, which can be Lionel Messi’s final.
They welcome again Alan Franco, who returns from suspension, whereas star midfielder Moisés Caicedo is match once more and able to anchor the midfield. Up entrance, Enner Valencia will lead the road alongside Kevin Rodríguez, with Gonzalo Plata and Yeboah offering width.
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Predicted lineups
Ecuador: Galíndez; Ángelo Preciado, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapié, Estupiñán; Caicedo, Alan Franco, Gonzalo Plata, Yeboah; Kevin Rodríguez, Enner Valencia.
Argentina: Martínez; Montiel, Balerdi, Otamendi, Acuña; De Paul, Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister; Nico Paz, Julián Álvarez, Lautaro Martínez.
This matchup might not carry the identical weight as different qualifiers since each groups are already via, however it represents a essential second for Nico Paz. For Argentina, it’s an opportunity to check depth and provides younger gamers alternatives. For Ecuador, it’s one other alternative to fine-tune forward of the World Cup. All eyes can be on Guayaquil to see if the younger Argentine can seize his second.
