Messi is absent! Argentina 0-1 Ecuador: The two players are red, both missed the first World Cup game!

On September 10, in the last round of the World Cup qualifiers, Argentina challenged Ecuador away. In the end, Argentina lost to Ecuador 0-1, which was the first time Argentina lost to Ecuador in the World Cup in the past decade.

Although Argentina had locked in the 2026 World Cup qualification as early as March and Ecuador also advanced early, the game is still full of drama. Messi was absent for some reason, C-Romero was suspended, Argentina sent players such as Lautaro and Simeone Jr. to form the front line, while Mastantono, who took over the No. 10 jersey, sat on the bench. In the 30th minute of the game, Ecuador launched a quick counterattack, Enna Valencia made a one-on-one shot, Otamendi was sent off for a foul from behind and Argentina was forced to fight ten people. According to the rules, this red card will cause Otamendi to miss the first match of the 2026 World Cup.

In the first half stoppage time, Taliafico made a foul in the penalty area and was awarded a penalty kick after confirmation by VAR. Enna Valencia made a penalty and Ecuador led 1-0. Throughout the first half, Argentina failed to complete a shot.

The side changes again, Ecuador suffered a blow in the 50th minute, and Kesedo received a second yellow card and was sent off for a foul. This means that Kesedo will also miss the first World Cup game.

Although Argentine coach Scaloni continuously dispatched troops and replaced Alvarez, Mastantono and other players, the team still failed to complete the shot until the 80th minute of the game. In the end, Argentina lost 0-1 away and ended the World Cup qualifiers with 38 points.

This loss was Argentina's first defeat in 2025 and the first loss to Ecuador since October 2015. Coincidentally, Otamendi also started at the time, and Messi was absent due to injury.