Lionel Messi, the Argentinian football superstar, will miss Argentina's World Cup qualifier against Ecuador. This is HUGE news for fans across South Africa and the world! But who will step into his iconic No. 10 shirt?
Almada to Take the Reigns?
Reports indicate that Thiago Almada, formerly of MLS, is set to inherit Messi's jersey for this crucial match. With Argentina already safely qualified for the 2026 World Cup, this offers coach Lionel Scaloni an opportunity to experiment and give some of his other stars a chance to shine.
Scaloni Shakes Up the Squad
Beyond Messi's absence, Scaloni is making several other changes to the starting lineup. Lautaro Martínez gets the nod upfront, replacing Julián Álvarez, and will be keen to prove his worth. In defense, Leonardo Balerdi will partner Nicolás Otamendi in the absence of the suspended Cristian “Cuti” Romero. Gonzalo Montiel steps in at right-back, giving Nahuel Molina a well-deserved rest.
Ecuador Already Qualified
Ecuador, led by Argentinian coach Sebastián Beccacece, have already secured their place at the 2026 World Cup. They've been a surprise package in the qualifiers, showing great consistency and resilience. They welcome back Alan Franco from suspension and star midfielder Moisés Caicedo is fit to play.
Argentina Aiming for Glory
Argentina will be hoping to secure their fourth World Cup title in 2026, which is expected to be Messi’s last. This match against Ecuador provides a valuable opportunity to fine-tune their squad and test different combinations in preparation for the tournament.
- Ecuador's Confirmed Lineup: Hernán Galíndez; Áng
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting World Cup qualifier!