Argentina star Lionel Messi is set to make his return to the Argentina national team tonight in the first round of the Copa America knockout stage.
Messi missed Argentina’s last match against Peru with a groin injury, but his return will be a huge boost for the team, who are clearly the favourites to win the Copa America.
FanDuel projects Argentina as heavy favorites (-470) to beat Ecuador and reach the quarterfinals on Thursday night.
Ecuador lost to Venezuela early in the tournament, but then beat Jamaica and drew with Mexico to barely make it out of the group stage.
Argentina vs Ecuador odds
- Argentina: -470 vs. Ecuador +340
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Argentina vs Ecuador predictions
Ecuador, like Argentina, showed a very strong defense in the Copa America.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been in fine form so far in the Copa and will have a good chance of thwarting an average Ecuador attack.
Argentina are yet to concede a goal in the tournament.
This match is expected to be a stalemate as both teams have great defensive play.
Ecuador allowed the third-most shots in the group stage, but only 12 of those reached the goalkeeper and only three were scored.
Mexico striker Santiago Jimenez had five shots on goal in their last match against Ecuador, so Argentina forward Lautaro Martinez could come in big in this one.
Martinez has scored four goals in the tournament so far and is likely to cause havoc again tonight.
Goalkeeper Alexander Dominguez will face a tough match against a strong Argentina team, but his strong play may be enough to make the game interesting.
However, I expect Argentina to ultimately beat them in the quarter-finals, which could mean a penalty shootout.
choose3-Way Moneyline: Draw (+310, DraftKings) | Lautaro Martinez scores (+180)
