No Messi as Ecuador beat Argentina in 2026 World Cup qualifiers

Enner Valencia was the hero of the day as Ecuador defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final match of their 2026 World Cup qualifiers, Softfootball reports.

The match which was played inside Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha witnessed a 45 minutes penalty goal from Valencia but the home fans would have been happier that 8-time Ballon D’Or winner, Lionel Messi was not featured in the game after he was excused from the team.

*Lautaro Martinez battles for the ball against an Ecuador defender. Photo credit: Argentina media*

During the post match interview shared on Argentina’s official X handle, Inter Milan forward explained where the team focus would be after the qualifiers. He said:

We finished at the top of the qualifiers and that’s very important for us. Now, we have some friendlies coming up to prepare ourselves in the best way possible for the World Cup.

In a match that saw red for Argentina’s Nicolás Otamendi and Ecuador’s Moisés Caicedo with Enner Valencia scoring a penalty goal in the 13th minute added time in the first half. It was value for money as fans especially home ones totally enjoyed the value for their money.

The introduction of Julián Álvarez and Franco Mastantuono in the second half gave Argentina a different rhythm, but they failed to score but coach Lionel Scaloni did not risk anything as he knew they already won the qualifying campaign.

Despite the defeat, Argentina finished the qualifying round as the with 38 points and top of the standings, nine points ahead of the Ecuadorians, who placed second. Interestingly, Ecuador finished second despite having three points deducted from them prior to the start of qualification campaign for using a player whose legal passport contained false information.