Argentina face Ecuador without Messi

Argentina will close their South American 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign against Ecuador in Guayaquil tomorrow at 5:00 am (Bangladesh Time), but captain Lionel Messi will not feature.

Messi, who returned to Inter Miami after Argentina's 3-0 win over Venezuela, had earlier agreed with coach Lionel Scaloni to rest after playing his final World Cup qualifier at home. It will be the sixth qualifier Messi has missed in this cycle. Without him, Argentina recorded three wins and one loss, including a 4-1 victory over Brazil at the Monumental.

Messi, who equalled Ecuadorian Ivan Hurtado's record of 72 appearances in World Cup qualifiers against Venezuela, will stay tied on that mark. He is also second in the all-time scoring charts in World Cup qualifiers with 36 goals -- two behind Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo.

Argentina, already qualified for the 2026 World Cup, head into the final day alongside Brazil, Uruguay, Ecuador, Colombia, and Paraguay, who have all sealed direct spots. Brazil endured a shaky start, including a heavy loss to Argentina, but recovered under Carlo Ancelotti to secure their place.

The only question left is the playoff berth, with seventh-placed Venezuela one point ahead of Bolivia.

Bolivia host Brazil while Venezuela face Colombia tomorrow, with both games kicking off at 5.30am (Bangladesh Time).