La Albiceleste wants to focus on the new phase with the South American qualifiers and put an end to the fun. But between pushing 80,000 packed fans at the Monumental to thunder again with the “Muchachos” and a very demanding game against Ecuador, there may be a catch.

Lionel Messi’s team must not waste a minute in another edition of the celebration.

Table of positions of South American qualifications

“It’s hard to escape the euphoria, but we’ll try not to get caught up in it. It’s a very important game, but it’s nice to see people happy. The game is not played by people, but by us who will oppose a good team”, said coach Lionel Scaloni on Wednesday, before the game.

The The Albiceleste will field their world champion team led by Messi on fire at Inter Miami and several of his students also in a state of grace.

The Flea He returns to his comfort zone in a very good mood, which is a necessary condition for the Argentine team to show its full potential. But his opponent will be a tough nut to crack.

Schedule of South American qualifiers 2026

Ecuador earned a place along with Uruguay in the group of those who follow the regional powersArgentina and Brazil, the four South American teams that participated in Qatar-2022.

It has threatening players, such as striker Enner Valencia, a key player in Inter Brazil’s qualification for the semi-finals of the Libertadores, as well as midfielders Pervis Estupiñán (Brighton) and 21-year-old rising star Moisés Caicedo, Chelsea’s record signing in the Premier League.

However, the Ecuadorian team will have to face the shortfall of withdrawing three points in this qualifying round due to the incorrect inclusion of Byron Castillo in the Qatar 2022 clash. (D)