Argentina vs Ecuador Prediction: A big test for La Tri

After a flawless group phase, Argentina will have a repeat of the 2021 quarter-final against Ecuador at the NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, United States. Lionel Messi missed the Argentine last group game against Peru. Is he fit to play against La Tri? Below are previews, match facts, possible starting 11, expert betting tips, and odds.

Argentina

Argentina have been perfect so far in this tournament after winning all their 3 group games. They reached this stage after topping group A with all maximum points. Also, they have not conceded a single goal in this tournament and have managed to score five goals. Argentina have now won eight consecutive matches across all competitions and have only conceded two goals.

Although Lionel Messi is without a goal in this competition so far, it is good to note that Lautaro Martinez has scored in each of his side's games so far and has scored four goals in total. However, Lionel Messi is expected to be back in the starting lineup after missing out on the last game against Peru due to thigh pains. 

Ecuador

Ecuador made it to this stage after finishing second in Group B. They started their journey with a 2-1 loss to Venezuela before getting back on their feet with a 3-1 win over Jamaica and were able to hold Mexico to a goalless draw. Ecuador have now lost just once in their last five games and have scored in 4 of their last 5 games. Despite the fact that they didn’t concede in their previous game, their defence allowed 18 shots. However, they have not conceded more than one in each of their last 3 games against Lionel Scolani’s men.

Possible Starting 11

Argentina — Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Angel Di Maria, Leandro Paredes, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez.

Ecuador – Alexander Dominguez, Angelo Preciado, Felix Torres, William Pacho, Piero Hincapie, Alan Franco, Moisés Caicedo, John Yeboah, Ray Paez, Jeremy Sarmiento, Enner Valencia.

Match Facts

• Argentina have lost just 2 of their last 58 matches in all competitions.
• Argentina have only lost once in 17 games since winning the 2022 World Cup.
• Argentina have won their last nine matches in the Copa America.
• Argentina have yet to concede a single goal at the 2024 Copa America.
• Argentina have kept eight clean sheets in their past 11 outings.

Expert Betting Tips

Argentina are begining to look like they are going to defend their title. They were flawless in the group stage, and they should have no problem getting a win here. Lionel Messi is expected to be back in the starting 11 here. The Inter Miami player has had 10 goal contributions (7 goals and three assists). Not only that, Argentina have never in their history lost to Ecuador at the Copa America, winning their 2021 quarter-final meeting against them 3-0. Moreover, Lautaro Martinez already has four goals in the tournament so far, scoring in every game. He will once again show his quality here.

• Under 2.5 for 1.61 odds
• W1 + Team 2 Not To Score for 1.90 odds
• Lautaro Martinez to Score for 2.50 odds