Argentina XI vs Ecuador – Predicted lineup and team news

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·9 de septiembre de 2025

Argentina XI vs Ecuador – Predicted lineup and team news

Ecuador and Argentina lock horns in a sizzling South American showdown as the final CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier kicks off on Tuesday at the Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha in Guayaquil.

With both sides already through to the 2026 World Cup, pride – and invaluable momentum – are on the line as they battle under the Ecuadorian floodlights.

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Ecuador vs Argentina – Predicted lineups and team news

Argentina Team News

The Albiceleste arrive with a squad brimming with talent but missing their talisman. Lionel Messi. Fresh from a brace in his emotional farewell home qualifier, Messi will sit out this trip to Ecuador to recharge and prepare for club action. Messi’s absence leaves a void not just in attack but in sheer presence; his teammates have lauded his leadership, with Lautaro Martínez calling him “the glue that holds us together,” and Nicolás Otamendi stepping up as skipper in his absence.

Lionel Scaloni’s side will also be without defensive rock Cristian Romero, who picked up a suspension in the win over Venezuela. Martínez is set to spearhead the frontline, along with Julián Álvarez, while Alejandro “Papu” Gómez is in line to pull strings in midfield alongside Rodrigo De Paul and Leandro Paredes in case Scaloni decides to bench one of Franco Mastantuono or Thiago Almada. Leonardo Balerdi will slot in alongside Otamendi in central defense, aiming to replicate the composure shown by the suspended Romero.