Argentina vs Ecuador: Preview, Prediction & Betting Picks

This is the last friendly fixture for both Argentina and Ecuador as their preparations for the upcoming Copa America come to a close.

Date: 6/9/14

Kick-off time: 3:00 Pacific Time

Venue: Soldier Field

Argentina come into this tournament as defending champions, having won the competition in 2021 with a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the final. This would make it three major honours in a row following their 2022 World Cup win in addition. They are currently on 15 Copa America titles, tied with Uruguay for the most in history. Triumph this summer would break the record. Since the World Cup, Argentina have lost just once and this friendly against Ecuador will give manager Lionel Scaloni a final chance to assess his squad.

Ecuador will also be looking ahead to this tournament and will provide a good test in preparation. They have been in solid form in recent months, losing only once in their last seven games. They have never won the Copa America, with their highest ever finish being fourth place in 1993 and 1959.

The visitors may find it difficult to get on the scoresheet against a dominant Argentinian defence. In their last 12 fixtures, they have conceded just one goal, which came in their most recent game against Costa Rica. During this stretch they have scored 29, highlighting their quality at both ends of the pitch. Led by Lionel Messi, it will be no easy feat to slow them down. Messi is in the midst of an MLS season in which he has scored 12 goals in 12 matches so far. He will expect to bring this excellent form into his national team performances.

In 39 meetings with Argentina, Ecuador have won just five times, losing on 23 occasions. They are winless in six games, with their last victory coming in World Cup qualifying in 2015. The most recent game between the pair came in World Cup Qualifying in 2023, with Argentina winning 1-0. There was not much to split the two teams in this game, as Lionel Messi scored the only goal of the game with 12 minutes to go.

Argentina Team News

Lionel Messi once again headlines a strong Argentina squad, of which the majority were involved in the 2022 World Cup win. There is lots of Premier League representation, including Emi Martinez, Enzo Fernandez and Julian Alvarez.

Ecuador Team News

Brighton’s Pervis Estupinan misses out on the squad after he missed the latter part of the season with injury. Moises Caicedo of Chelsea will expect to play a prominent role, whilst Enner Valencia will be the main man in attack.

Argentina Form Guide

In their last five games, Argentina have won four and lost one. It has been a dominant stretch for Argentina as focus shifts completely to the upcoming Copa America. The first game of this run was a 2-0 win against Peru back in October. They were strong at the back, with Peru failing to register a shot on target. Two goals from Lionel Messi before half-time ensured they won comfortably.

They were on the wrong end of the same scoreline in the next game as they fell 2-0 to Uruguay. Argentina were by far the superior side in both possession and attempts, but Uruguay took advantage of their only two shots on target. Barcelona’s Ronald Araujo bagged the opener, before Liverpool’s Darwin Nunez doubled the lead late on. They responded well to this with a 1-0 win over their rivals Brazil. There was not much to split the two teams, but Nicolas Otamendi’s 63rd minute goal proved the difference. Joelinton saw red late for Brazil.

El Salvador were their next opponents, and Argentina comfortably won 3-0. The final scoreline flattered their visitors, as they enjoyed 80% of the ball and attempted 24 shots to El Salvador’s two. Cristian Romero broke the deadlock in the 16th minute, before Chelsea midfielder Enzo Fernandez added another on the stroke of half-time. Giovani Lo Celso scored just after the restart to compete the scoring. Their most recent game was a 3-1 win over Costa Rica. They fell behind in the first half, but fought back with goals from Angel Di Maria, Alexis Mac Allister and Lautaro Martinez.

Ecuador Form Guide

In their last five games, Ecuador have won two, drawn two and lost one. It has been a decent run of form for Ecuador as they too prepare for the Copa America this summer. They began this stretch with a pair of goalless draws. The first of these was against Colombia in a World Cup qualifier. There was not much to split the pair in terms of shots and possession, with neither side unable to take their chances and find the back of the net.

Their struggles in front of goal continued against Venezuela, but once again they held their own at the back for a second consecutive stalemate. They both combined for just three shots on target in a World Cup qualifier with limited opportunities. A win finally arrived, albeit a narrow one, as they won 1-0 against Chile. They enjoyed much more action in front of goal, though only scored once. Angel Mena’s 21st minute strike proved the difference between the two teams.

Another win followed, as they won 2-0 against Guatemala. They went ahead early through John Yeboah in the eighth minute, and put the game to bed late on with a goal from Gonzala Plata. Their only defeat came in their most recent game and against their toughest opponents in Italy. They lost 2-0. Both goals came at either end of the match, the first coming from Lorenzo Pellegrini three minutes in. Nicolo Barella made it two in the fourth minute of second half stoppage time.

Argentina are in excellent form heading into Copa America and we expect this to continue as their preparations draw to a close. Ecuador are not an easy opponent, but Argentina’s superior talent should prevail – Argentina 3-0 Ecuador

Argentina vs Ecuador will be available on ESPN+ for U.S viewers.