With qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup already secured by both teams, Ecuador And Argentina Will meet this Tuesday in Estadio Monumental in Guayaquil for the last competition day of the South -American qualifications. Lionel Messi Will not be part of the team and will not be on the couch.
After shining with a brace against Venezuela in his last official performance on Argentinian soilMessi announced that he would not travel to Ecuador for the second match of the international break. The decision, according to his own words, came upon request of the coach on request Lionel ScaloniWho preferred to prioritize the physical recovery of the attacker instead of pushing him into a competition that has little meaning.
In this way, Leo wins crucial recovery time after the demanding 90 minutes against Venezuela and the return trips between Miami and Buenos Aires. That can make a huge difference if he prepares for upcoming challenges.
What is the next step for Messi?
Inter Miami confronted with a demanding piece of games while they work to catch up Major League Soccer. After participating in the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and reaching the final of the Competitions CupThe herons had to postpone four MLS luminaires – and now it’s time to come up with them.
Lionel Scaloni, head coach of Argentina.
The first of those matchups comes on Saturday, when they visit Charlotte FC In Bank of America Stadium. From there, Inter Miami plays seven games in 21 daysWith no more than four days of rest between two games. For a player like Messi, now 38 and with recent muscular issues, this can be a physically incriminating period – make the decision to take the journey Ecuador all the more important.
see also
How Ecuador vs Argentina look in the US: Live Stream and TV for Conmebol World Cup qualifications
Argentina without Messi
While Lionel Messi focuses his focus on the challenges that lie in front of us with Inter Miami in MLS, Argentina Set a tough task on Tuesday. Ecuador is another team that has already protected its place in the FIFA World Cup 2026 and now will try to say goodbye to his fans with a victory over one of the world’s best national teams.
It is clear that the absence of Messi in the starting line -up will be the most striking change, but coach Scaloni will also make various other adjustments. Cristian Romero Is out because of the accumulation of the yellow card and there will be changes in the full-back positions. Midfield will also look different, with Thiago Almada And Franco Mastantuono From the line -up.
Argentina’s starting XI will 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.
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