When Lionel Andrés Messi, forward for Inter Miami CF confirmed he will sit out the upcoming match, all eyes turned to Lautaro Javier Martínez, the 27‑year‑old striker of Inter Milan stepping into the number 10 role for Argentina national football team under coach Lionel Scaloni. The game, a World Cup 2026 qualifier, pits La Albiceleste against the Ecuador national football team at the Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha in Guayaquil on 15 October 2025.
CONMEBOL World Cup 2026 QualifierEstadio Monumental Banco PichinchaWhy This Match Matters
Argentina entered the fixture as the reigning world champions, having lifted the trophy in Qatar 2022 and then snatched back‑to‑back Copa América crowns. A perfect record in the South American qualifying group would put them on track to become the first nation since Brazil in 1970 to retain the World Cup. Ecuador, meanwhile, already locked in a 2026 spot, came into the game with a point to prove – they beat La Albiceleste 1‑0 in September, a result that still haunts Scaloni’s squad.
Confirmed Line‑ups and Tactical Shuffle
Scaloni announced a 4‑2‑3‑1 setup that mirrors the system that won Argentina the 2022 title, but with a noticeable shift in the creative hub. With Messi out, Martínez is deployed as the central striker, flanked by midfielders Rodrigo de Paul and Alexis Mac Allister in the double pivot. The three‑man attacking line‑up reads: Franco Mastantuono on the right, Julián Álvarez on the left and Lautaro Martínez pulling the strings behind the front‑line.
- Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa)
- Defence: Nahuel Molina – Cristian Romero – Nicolás Otamendi – Nicolás Tagliafico
- Midfield: Rodrigo de Paul – Alexis Mac Allister
- Attack: Franco Mastantuono – Julián Álvarez – Lautaro Martínez
For Ecuador, the line‑up stays largely unchanged from the September win. Veteran striker Enner Valencia leads the attack, supported by a youthful midfield anchored by Kevin Mendizabal. The host side will look to exploit Argentina’s transitional defensive partnership of Romero and Otamendi, both of whom are entering the latter stages of their careers.
Scaloni’s Gamble on New Blood
Scaloni has been vocal about turning this qualifier into a audition for the final World Cup squad. In a pre‑match press conference he urged the newcomers – Lautaro Rivero, Aníbal Moreno and Facundo Cambeses – to "put him in trouble" and force the coaching staff to make tough calls. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has already scheduled friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico in the United States later this month, giving Scaloni a broader canvas to assess his options.
One of the most intriguing stories is the rise of 18‑year‑old Franco Mastantuono. The Real Madrid Castilla winger, already making waves in Spain, is being touted as a potential successor to Messi’s playmaking mantle. His inclusion signals a willingness to blend proven experience with raw talent, a balancing act that could define Argentina’s approach at the 2026 tournament.
Messi’s Absence: Legacy and Last Chances
At 38, Messi is on the brink of retirement. Though he has not officially announced his exit, the decision to skip the Guayaquil clash is widely interpreted as a strategic move to preserve his fitness for what is expected to be his final World Cup. Messi finishes his international career with 106 goals in 180 appearances – a record that still stands as the benchmark for Argentine forwards.
For fans, the void left by Messi is palpable. The Argentine press has run countless pieces on his iconic moments, from the dramatic penalty against the Netherlands in 2014 to the winning goal in the 2022 final. Yet the same outlets also highlight the emerging narrative of a "Post‑Messi generation," with Martínez, Álvarez and Mastantuono positioned as the new torch‑bearers.
What’s Next for La Albiceleste?
Assuming Argentina clinches the qualifier – which most analysts expect given their superior goal difference – the next steps involve finalising the squad for the United States‑Mexico‑Canada World Cup. The upcoming friendlies will be crucial, especially for players like Walter Benítez (Paris Saint‑Germain) and Julio Soler (Bournemouth), who are on the fringe of selection.
Meanwhile, Ecuador will aim to finish their qualifying campaign on a high note, hoping to secure a better seeding for the 2026 tournament. Both nations will also be watching the unfolding drama in the CONMEBOL “final round” where Brazil, Uruguay and Colombia are still fighting for the last automatic spots.
Key Takeaways
- Messi sits out – the 38‑year‑old forward skips the Guayaquil qualifier to focus on the 2026 World Cup.
- Lautaro Martínez leads the attack – the Inter Milan striker assumes the number 10 role.
- Argentina needs a win to stay on track for back‑to‑back titles.
- Ecuador looks to repeat their September upset.
- Friendlies in the U.S. will shape the final World Cup roster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Lionel Messi not playing against Ecuador?
Messi’s camp and the AFA decided to rest the 38‑year‑old forward to avoid injury ahead of what is widely expected to be his final World Cup in 2026. He is still part of the squad and will travel with the team, but the coaching staff preferred to give him a full recovery period.
How will Lautaro Martínez’s role change without Messi?
Martínez moves from his usual out‑and‑out striker position to a deeper, play‑making role. He will link midfield and attack, creating space for the wingers and the young Franco Mastantuono, while still being a goal threat himself.
What does this match mean for Argentina’s World Cup ambitions?
A victory would keep Argentina on course to finish atop the CONMEBOL table, preserving a clear path to defending their title. A loss, like the 1‑0 defeat in September, would tighten the race and increase pressure on Scaloni to secure points in the final fixtures.
Who are the standout players to watch for Ecuador?
Enner Valencia remains Ecuador’s talisman up front, while midfielder Kevin Mendizabal provides the creative spark. Defender Pervis Estupiñán, who plays in La Liga, will be key in containing Argentina’s new attacking configuration.
When will the final Argentine squad be announced?
The AFA has slated the official roster reveal for early November 2025, after the two friendlies in the United States and a final review of player fitness and form.