We are finally onto the knockout phases after the Copa America 2024 group stages. The first quarter-final match between Argentina and Ecuador will happen on Thursday, July 4, 20:00 GMT at the NRG Stadium, Houston, Texas. This match is crucial for both sides, as the losing team will see their journey in the prestigious tournament end. Yet, Argentina enters the battle with a firm foot.

Lionel Messi and Co. topped Group A with 9 points and won all the matches against Canada, Chile, and Peru. On the other hand, Ecuador progressed through the group stages by inches. While Venezuela topped Group B with three perfect wins, Ecuador was tied with Mexico on 4 points but managed to squeeze into the top two by just a goal difference. As a result, Jamaica finished at the bottom.

Argentina and Ecuador are meeting again within a month, as both sides played a friendly fixture on June 10 before entering the tournament. The World Champions had clinched a narrow victory thanks to Angel Di Maria’s first-half strike while Messi sat out.

Head-to-head and prediction

Matches played: 17

Won by Argentina: 9

Won by Ecuador: 3

Draw: 5

Argentina vs Ecuador: Team news

Injuries

Argentina

Mr. Captain Lionel Messi missed the final group stage match against Peru after feeling discomfort in his hamstring. The game against Chile saw him sustain a knock, but he still finished the game. Though he didn’t sustain any serious blow, the rest in Matchday 3 was given more so he could prepare to go all guns blazing for the quarter-final fixture.

The 36-year-old was seen taking part in training with the entire team. In fact, he wasn’t alone, as the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez, Rodrigo De Paul, Cristián Romero, Lisandro Martinez, and Nahuel Molina were also rested. Hence, with no injuries whatsoever, Lionel Scaloni has a fit squad to choose from.

Ecuador

Ecuador also doesn’t have any injuries as such. Though their record goalscorer Enner Valencia missed Matchday 3 because of suspension, he came in the final group stage match to play the 90 minutes. Apart from that, Felix Sanchez has a fit roster to choose from.

Predicted lineups

Argentina predicted starting XI (4-3-3): Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristián Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolás Tagliafico; Angel Di Maria, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister; Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martínez, Julian Alvarez

Ecuador predicted starting XI (4-3-3): Alexander Dominguez; Angelo Preciado, Felix Torres, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapie; Alan Franco, Moises Caicedo; John Yeboah, Kendry Paez, Jeremy Sarmiento; Enner Valencia

There’s no doubt about the quality of Ecuador and they have what it takes to frustrate Argentina. They will have sufficient chances to showcase their attacking prowess against the 2022 World Cup winners. However, that won’t be enough to see them knock out the reigning champions easily, as Lionel Messi and Co. will look to progress to the semi-finals.

We reckon Argentina 2-1 Ecuador.

How to livestream and watch Argentina vs Ecuador on TV?

Fans in the United States can catch the action live on channels like FS1, TUDN USA, and Univision. The live stream can be watched on Fubo, Fox Sports app/website, TUDN app/website, Univision Now, and ViX. Meanwhile, UK fans can watch Uruguay vs USMNT on Premier Sports 1 and live stream on Premier Sports Player.