Lionel Scaloni admitted it will be hard to replace some of the veterans that have played a key role in Argentina's recent success - having been given a glimpse of the future last night in the 1-0 defeat to Ecuador. With Angel Di Maria now retired from international duty, Lionel Messi rested and Nicolas Otamendi sent off after 31 minutes in Guayaquil, a youthful Argentina side went down to Enner Valencia's penalty 13 minutes into first-half stoppage time.
Ecuador have booked their ticket to a second straight World Cup with ease, even after starting this qualifying cycle on the back foot with a three-point deduction. El Tri have been remarkably hard to break down, posting seven wins, eight draws and just two defeats from 17 outings. All eight stalemates have finished 0-0 - including their last four in succession - highlighting both their defensive discipline and their attacking shortcomings.
Argentina and Lionel Messi will be hoping for another routine victory against Venezuela (Image credit: Getty Images) Watch Argentina vs Venezuela today as the South American sides face off in CONMEBOL qualification for the 2026 World Cup. Argentina have already booked their place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup and currently leads the way in CONMEBOL qualifying. Lionel Scaloni's side will finish top of the pile,
