Ecuador 1-0 Argentina: World Champs Lose Qualifying Finale Without Messi

Argentina ended their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-0 defeat to Ecuador on Tuesday, finishing the game with 10 men and without Lionel Messi.

Nicolás Otamendi was sent off in the 31st minute for denying a clear goal-scoring chance, before Enner Valencia converted a penalty in first-half stoppage time. Ecuador’s Moisés Caicedo was also dismissed in the 51st minute for a reckless challenge, leaving both sides with 10 players.

Despite the loss, Argentina had already secured top spot in the CONMEBOL standings, while Ecuador finished second, nine points behind the world champions.