The reigning world champions open their 2026 campaign at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles — an iconic American venue with a passionate South American fanbase. Messi, Álvarez and De Paul make Argentina one of the most technically complete sides in the tournament. Ecuador are a physical, well-organised South American team but lack the quality of Argentina's golden generation.

Argentina should control this match from start to finish. Messi will look to stamp his authority early and Álvarez provides the movement and finishing to punish any Ecuador defensive errors. The key question is by how much Argentina win — at -1.5 Asian handicap they are fair value at ~2.00.