Overview

• Argentina closes CONMEBOL qualifying on Tuesday at 20:00 local time against Ecuador in Guayaquil after securing a World Cup berth earlier in the campaign.
• Lionel Scaloni confirmed Lionel Messi will not travel, citing a recent injury and fatigue following the win over Venezuela.
• Cristian “Cuti” Romero is unavailable due to suspension, with Leonardo Balerdi expected to step into the starting defense.
• Selection choices remain open, with Lautaro Martínez and Alexis Mac Allister pushing to start and a possible two-forward look featuring Martínez with Julián Álvarez under consideration.
• The AFA confirmed October friendlies versus Venezuela on Oct. 10 at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium and Puerto Rico on Oct. 13 at Chicago’s Soldier Field, and it is arranging November matches in Luanda and Kerala with opponents to be announced.