Argentina begins their Copa America title defense as they contest the first of two pre-tournament friendlies on Sunday against Ecuador in Chicago.
Lionel Messi led the Albiceleste to his first major international trophy four years ago when Argentina won the 2021 Copa America, which they followed up by winning the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Now, Messi is a defending champion for the first time in his career.
Messi was the game’s only goal scorer last time these two teams met in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying last September, as Argentina won 1-0 on his 78th-minute strike.
Ecuador has not lost a competitive game since that match, although they did drop a friendly to Italy 2-0 back in March the last time they took the field.
Argentina vs. Ecuador prediction, odds
- Moneyline lean: Argentina (-185)
- Score prediction:Â Argentina 2-1Â Ecuador
Argentina doesn’t blow teams out of the water, but they also don’t lose, period. Argentina hasn’t lost a friendly since a 3-1 defeat to Venezuela in 2019, and they have just four competitive defeats since then.
Lionel Messi probably will get significant rest in the two pre-Copa America friendlies, but it would make more sense for him to play a full 90 minutes here before seeing the bench in the second game to create space between now and the start of the tournament. Therefore, expect Argentina to be at their best here.
| Â | BetMGM (USA) |
| Argentina win | -185 |
| Draw | +290 |
| Ecuador win | +475 |
| Both teams to score |
Y: +100 N: -140 |
| Over / Under 2.5 goals |
O: -115 U: -125 |
| Argentina -0.5 goals |
-190 |
| Ecuador +0.5 goals |
+135 |
Argentina vs. Ecuador match facts
- Date:Â Sunday, June 9, 2024
- Kickoff Time:Â 4:30Â p.m. local (5:30Â p.m. ET / 2:30Â p.m. PT)
- Location:Â Soldier Field (Chicago, IL)
- Last meeting:Â Argentina 1-0 Ecuador (Sep. 7, 2023 | CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying)
Argentina vs. Ecuador best bet
No reason to get cute with it — anytime you can get Lionel Messi to score a goal for club or country at plus odds, you should jump on it. Messi has not scored in two straight international appearances, but those were against Brazil and Uruguay, the two best South American teams not named Argentina.
Before that, Messi had scored an outlandish 25 goals in his last 19 international games, failing to find the net twice in that span. He has scored in five of his last seven games against Ecuador, including a hat-trick in World Cup qualifying back in 2017. He is in top goal-scoring form for Inter Miami heading into the Copa America, and while he may be protected some in these friendlies, it’s more likely they’ll deploy him here to give him a longer break before their opening match of the tournament.
Argentina vs. Ecuador prop bet
- Pick:Â Argentina to win & both teams to score
- Odds:Â +260 (BetMGM)
Argentina are one of the best defensive sides in the world, but Ecuador have had recent success finding the net against them. They have found at least a goal in five of the last eight games against Argentina, and with the under juiced in this game against the most stout back lines in South America, there’s real value here.
With Argentina goalkeeper Dibu Martinez nursing an injury and potentially saved for the competitive matches ahead, and other rotation possible for Lionel Scaloni at the back, there’s a good chance for Ecuador to get a consolation goal.
Argentina vs. Ecuador live stream, TV channel
| Â | TV channel | Streaming |
| USA | Fox Sports Deportes | Fubo USA, Fox Sports Go |
| Canada |  — | Fanatiz |
This match will be televised in the United States on Fox Sports Deportes. That channel can be streamed on Fubo, who are offering a free trial for new users.
The 2024 Copa America will be televised on Fox Sports channels, all of which are also available on Fubo. Games will be televised on FOX, FS1, or FS2 throughout the month-long tournament.