Without Lionel Messi, Argentina Loses To Ecuador

JAKARTA - Argentina, which was not strengthened by Lionel Messi, had to admit the superiority of the host Ecuador in the Conmebol 2026 World Cup qualifying match. In the match at the Monumental Stadium, Guayaquil, Wednesday, September 10, 2025 morning WIB, Argentina lost 1-0.

The game was no longer decisive for both teams. Whatever the final result of the match did not affect Argentina and Ecuador's position which have qualified for the 2026 World Cup finals.

Despite losing, Argentina remains at the top of the standings because their points have crossed 38. Ecuador's opponent's defeat was the fourth that Argentina experienced during 18 qualifying matches. Meanwhile, Ecuador, who is in second place, got 29 points.

Because they have both secured tickets to the United States, Mexico and Canada, the match seemed to have lost their target. Argentina itself did not field the best squad.

Not only Messi was absent, but also Thiago Almada who is now the pillar of La Albiceleste. Likewise defender Cristian Romero and midfielder Enzo Fernandez did not appear in that match. Meanwhile, Julian Alvarez started the match by sitting on the bench.

Striker Lautaro Martinez is the spearhead. The Inter Milan striker has the support of Liverpool midfielder Alexis Mac Allister, Nico Gonzalez and Guiliano Simone.

In contrast, Ecuador, who performed at home, fielded the best team, including Chelsea midfielder Moises Caicedo and Valencia's flagship striker Enner.

There has only been no dangerous attack from the two teams since the start of the match. Ecuador and Argentina don't try to insist.

However, Argentina had to lose defender Nicolas Otamendi after dropping Valencia in the 31st minute. He immediately got a red card which made Argentina have to play with 10 people.

It's just that Ecuador still has to work hard to break into the visitors' goal until they finally get a penalty in first-half injury time. The penalty was given after Nicolas Tagliafico fouled Angelo Preciado.

Valencia completed the penalty well. Score 1-0 for La Tricolor and lasted until the first half was over.

In the second half, Argentina remained unable to penetrate the host's defense. Ecuador, on the other hand, has not been able to add more goals. Even the hosts ended up having to play with 10 people after Felipe Caicedo got a second yellow card followed by a red card.

However, Ecuador can maintain its advantage. Sebastian Badcece's team still won with a score of 1-0.

If your opponent plays openly, then you will have difficulties. That's what happened to us. But we're still trying to focus on the game," said Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.

Meanwhile, Lautaro Martinez said that the match was a draw. Now, the team is focused on facing a series of trial matches in preparation for the World Cup.

"Overall the matches are a draw. We also finish by occupying the highest position. This means a lot to us. Next, we will play a number of test matches. We have to prepare ourselves because this is the best way before going to the World Cup," Martinez said.