Lionel Messi and Argentina have been dealt a major blow with Nicolas Otamendi now suspended for their 2026 World Cup opener after picking up a red card in their final qualifying match against Ecuador. The experienced defender was sent off for a reckless tackle in the 1-0 defeat, but Argentina still finished at the top of the CONMEBOL qualifying table.

• Otamendi suspended for World Cup opener
• Picked up a red card against Ecuador
• Ecuador beat Argentina 1-0

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  WHAT HAPPENED?

  Argentina ended their 2026 World Cup qualifiers on a disappointing note as Enner Valencia's first-half penalty sealed a 1-0 win for Ecuador on Tuesday. The world champions were reduced to 10 men after Otamendi picked up a red card just past the half-hour mark for a poor challenge, which interrupted a clear goalscoring opportunity. 

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  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  The red card in the final round of the qualifiers means that Otamendi will be suspended for Argentina's 2026 World Cup opener. Chelsea star Moises Caicedo will miss Ecuador's first game at the tournament, too, as he was sent off early in the second half after picking up a second yellow card.

• DID YOU KNOW?

  Messi travelled with the Argentina squad for the Ecuador clash but was not available to play. Lionel Scaloni granted the Inter Miami star a rest so that he can return to Florida in peak condition ahead of the club's MLS Cup bid. It is expected that Messi will grace the 2026 World Cup in North America before calling time on his international career.

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  WHAT NEXT FOR ARGENTINA?

  Scaloni's side will play two friendly matches during the next international break in October against Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

Tags: Futebol
Category: News