Fans around the world are waiting for the big South American soccer festival to kick off. The 2024 Copa America set to take place in the USA is expected to be a banger with World Champions Argentina defending the title from 2021 against other giants like Brazil and Uruguay. However, they gather against Ecuador in a friendly match as a build-up to the opener against Canada on the 20th.

With Ecuador being a formidable side, the game will be a test of where both teams stand. The coaches are also expected to try out a few permutations and combinations and whether players like Angel Di Maria and Lionel Messi would take the field or not is a big question. In addition, are there any injury concerns in the two units? What are the latest updates until now?

Argentina vs Ecuador: Match Preview

Injury and Team news

Argentina: The Albiceleste had a major concern a few months ago, with Lionel Messi missing the friendlies in March due to a hamstring injury. However, thanks to his club Inter Miami, the 8-time Ballon d’Or winner is back due to adequate rest taken in between. The 2021 Champions will be not without defender Germán Pezzella who sustained a muscle injury in May and could be in doubt for the main tournament as well. In addition, Nahuel Molina had also sustained a thigh injury against Mallorca in May and did not play the rest of the club season. The right-back was seen with the squad recently, but his start tomorrow may be doubtful.

Ecuador: The Tricolors are lucky to have an almost fit squad ahead of the tournament. But the only major concern is the absence of the key defender Pervis Estupiñán, who was struck with an ankle issue in April.

Expected Lineups

Argentina: Emiliano Martinez; Nicolás Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuna; Exequiel Palacios, Giovani Lo Celso, Enzo Fernandez; Lionel Messi, Alejandro Garnacho, Lautaro Martinez.

Ecuador: Alexander Dominguez; Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapie, Felix Torres, Jose Hurtado; Joao Ortiz, Moises Caicedo, Jose Cifuentes, Carlos Gruezo, Jeremy Sarmiento; Enner Valencia

Head-to-head and Predictions

Both nations have clashed 39 times in the past. Argentina has a clear advantage in terms of history with 23 wins, Ecuador won just 5 times with the other 11 games ending with a deadlock. The last time these teams met, it was Lionel Messi who saved Argentina from a draw last year. However, Scaloni’s side is a clear favorite, going into the game with a full-strength squad.

Prediction: Argentina 3 – 1 Ecuador

When and where to watch the match

The match will take place at Soldier Field in Chicago Illinois and will kick off at 1800 hrs CT/ 1900 hrs ET/ 1600 hrs PST. Fans can watch the game Live on FOX Sports App, FOX Deportes, and stream it on Fubo App.