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Lionel Messi is back in action with Argentina in the 2024 Copa America this week as La Albiceleste play out their first knockout fixture of the competition against Ecuador at the NRG Stadium in Texas on Thursday. Argentina have eased their way into the quarterfinals this year and could face their first litmus test this week.
Argentina vs Ecuador Preview
Ecuador finished in second place in Group B in the 2024 Copa America standings and have stepped up to the plate in the competition. The Ecuadorian outfit played out a 0-0 stalemate against Mexico in their final group match and will look to put in another robust defensive display in this game.
Argentina, on the other hand, finished at the top of Group A in the tournament and are in excellent form. La Albiceleste defeated Peru by a comfortable 2-0 scoreline in their previous game and will look to achieve a similar result in this knockout encounter.
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Argentina vs Ecuador Head-to-Head and Key Numbers
- Argentina have a predictably good record against Ecuador and have won 24 out of the 40 matches played between the two teams, as opposed to Ecuador's paltry five victories.
- Lionel Messi has scored seven goals against Ecuador throughout his international career - the Inter Miami superstar has been more prolific only against Bolivia in this regard.
- Lautaro Martinez has scored four goals so far in the 2024 Copa America - only two Argentine players have scored more goals in a single edition of the competition since the turn of the century.
- Argentina are unbeaten in their last seven matches against Ecuador in all competitions, with their previous defeat coming by a 2-0 scoreline in 2015 in World Cup qualifying.
Argentina vs Ecuador Prediction
Argentina are one of the favourites to win the 2024 Copa America trophy and are one of the best teams in international football. Lionel Messi has participated in training sessions with Argentina this week and is likely to return to the lineup on Thursday.
Ecuador are capable of pulling off an upset on their day but will need to outdo themselves to stand a chance in this game. Argentina are the better team on paper and hold the upper hand this week.
Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Ecuador
Argentina vs Ecuador Betting Tips
Tip 1: Result - Argentina to win
Tip 2: Game to have over 2.5 goals - Yes
Tip 3: Argentina to keep a clean sheet - Yes
Tip 4: Lautaro Martinez to score - Yes
