With qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup already secured by each groups, Ecuador and Argentina will meet this Tuesday at Estadio Monumental in Guayaquil for the ultimate Matchday of the South American qualifiers. Lionel Messi won’t be a part of the squad and gained’t be on the bench both.
After shining with a brace in opposition to Venezuela in his final official look on Argentine soil, Messi introduced that he wouldn’t journey to Ecuador for the second recreation of the worldwide break. The choice, in keeping with his personal phrases, got here on the request of coach Lionel Scaloni, who most well-liked to prioritize the ahead’s bodily restoration moderately than push him in a match that holds little significance.
This fashion, Leo features essential restoration time after the demanding 90 minutes in opposition to Venezuela and the round-trip journey between Miami and Buenos Aires. That would make an enormous distinction as he prepares for upcoming challenges.
What’s subsequent for Messi?
Inter Miami face a demanding stretch of video games as they work to catch up in Main League Soccer. After taking part within the 2025 FIFA Membership World Cup and reaching the ultimate of the Leagues Cup, the Herons needed to postpone 4 MLS fixtures — and now it’s time to make them up.
Lionel Scaloni, Head Coach of Argentina.
The primary of these matchups comes Saturday, after they go to Charlotte FC at Financial institution of America Stadium. From there, Inter Miami will play seven video games in 21 days, with not more than 4 days of relaxation between any two matches. For a participant like Messi, now 38 and with current muscular points, this may very well be a bodily taxing interval — making the choice to skip the journey to Ecuador all of the extra necessary.
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The way to watch Ecuador vs Argentina match within the USA: Stay Stream and TV for CONMEBOL World Cup Qualifiers
Argentina with out Messi
Whereas Lionel Messi turns his focus towards the challenges forward with Inter Miami in MLS, Argentina face a tricky activity on Tuesday. Ecuador is one other workforce that has already secured its place within the 2026 FIFA World Cup and can now look to say goodbye to its followers with a win over one of many world’s high nationwide groups.
Clearly, Messi’s absence from the beginning lineup would be the most notable change, however coach Scaloni will make a number of different changes as effectively. Cristian Romero is out as a consequence of yellow card accumulation, and there shall be adjustments within the full-back positions. The midfield will even look totally different, with Thiago Almada and Franco Mastantuono out of the lineup.
Argentina’s beginning XI shall be: Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Otamendi, Leonardo Balerdi, Marcos Acuña; Giuliano Simeone, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister, Nicolas Gonzalez; Lautaro Martinez.
