Argentina vs. Ecuador 2026 World Cup Qualification Odds, Time, and Prediction

Argentina might be the world soccer champion, but La Albiceleste will have to go through the qualification process, same as any other nation, to book the ticket to the 2026 World Championship. The first obstacle on that road comes in the form of Ecuador, a team they’ve only lost once when Lionel Messi was on the pitch. And the loss in question happened back in 2008.

Argentina vs. Ecuador Odds

When, Where, and How to Watch?

• Place: Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Date: Thursday, September 7, 2023
• Time: 8:00 PM ET
• How to Watch: DAZN

Lionel Messi to Lead Argentina to a Big Win on Thursday

The mere fact that Lionel Messi has decided to miss the Inter Miami vs. Sporting Kansas City game shows how much he cares for his national team. His team is struggling to get to the playoff zone in the MLS, but despite that, the soccer GOAT decided to come to Buenos Aires. He will captain Argentina in the two 2026 World Cup qualifiers, the first of which is the one on Thursday against Ecuador.

Everyone knows that Messi is a big patriot who’s always there for his national team, but people are really wondering if Argentina needs him against such a mediocre opponent as Ecuador. Well, most probably, they would’ve done okay without him, but you can think of this as a reunion of the squad that won Argentina its first World Cup since the Diego Maradona days.

Can Ecuador Do the Impossible on Thursday?

With Lionel Messi on the team, Argentina is 4-3-1 against Ecuador. The only time La Albiceleste lost to Ecuador with Messi on the pitch was almost 15 years ago. In the most recent Argentina vs. Ecuador game, however, we saw a draw happen.

The game in question took place in March 2022. It was 1-1 on the screen after the final whistle, even though Argentina had a 1-0 lead until the third minute of the stoppage time. However, that game was played in Ecuador, where this team usually does very well.

On the road, it’s a whole different story. In the qualification for the previous World Cup, Ecuador had six losses in total, five of which happened in away games.

Argentina vs. Ecuador Prediction

Argentina’s World Cup-winning players are playing a competitive game in Buenos Aires for the first time since winning the trophy in Qatar. Their fans are going to organize a warm welcome for their boys, and Messi and Co. will destroy the opposition in return.

Picks: Argentina to win & over 2.5 goals