Argentina face Ecuador in Houston on July 4 in the first of the 2024 Copa America quarterfinals.
The reigning champions won all of their three games to top Group A in the opening phase of this tournament without even conceding a goal, but injury concerns around captain Lionel Messi have created something of a distraction ahead of this match.
Ecuador, meanwhile, finished level with Mexico on four points after the teams drew 0-0 in their Group B finale, but Felix Sanchez’s side claimed a spot in the knockout stages thanks to their superior goal difference.
They are the underdogs for this game, but with Chelsea-bound Kendry Paez in their ranks, they are capable of springing a surprise.
The Sporting News is following Argentina vs. Ecuador live, providing score updates, commentary and highlights as they happen.
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Argentina vs. Ecuador live score
| 1st Half | Goal scorers | |
| Argentina | — | |
| Ecuador | — |
Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston
Referee: Andres Matonte (URU)
Predicted lineups:
Argentina (4-3-3, right to left): 23. E. Martinez (GK) — 26. Molina, 13. Romero, 25. Li. Martinez, 3. Tagliafico — 11. Di Maria, 7. De Paul, 20. Mac Allister — 10 Messi, 22. La. Martinez, 9. Alvarez.
Ecuador (4-2-3-1, right to left): 22. Dominguez (GK) — 17. Preciado, 2. Torres, 6. Pacho, 3. Hincapie — 21. Franco, 23. M. Caicedo — 14. Minda, 10. Paez, 16. Sarmiento — 13. Valencia.
MORE: Messi’s all-time record at the Copa America
Argentina vs. Ecuador live updates, highlights from Copa America 2024
2 hours before kickoff: It’s quarterfinal time at the Copa America. Can Ecuador cause a shock and eliminate reigning champions Argentina?
Todos los caminos conducen a Miami 😍 pic.twitter.com/yUJWi1ti6P
— CONMEBOL Copa América™️ (@CopaAmerica) July 4, 2024
Argentina vs. Ecuador kickoff time
This Copa America match kicks off from NRG Stadium on Thursday, July 4 at 8:00 p.m. local time in Houston, Texas, USA.
Here’s how that time translates across some of the major territories around the globe:
| Date | Kickoff time | |
| USA/Canada | Thu, July 4 | 9 p.m. ET |
| USA/Canada | Thu, July 4 | 6 p.m. PT |
| UK | Fri, July 5 | 2 a.m. BST |
| Australia | Fri, July 5 | 11 a.m. AEST |
| India | Fri, July 5 | 6:30 a.m. IST |
Argentina vs. Ecuador lineups, team news, starting 11
The main talking point leading up to Argentina’s Copa America quarterfinal against Ecuador will be talisman Lionel Messi‘s fitness. It was no great surprise to see the 37-year-old Inter Miami star sit out the clash with Peru after he required treatment in Argentina’s second game against Chile. He even admitted after the match that he had felt “some discomfort” in his right hamstring.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and 2022 World Cup champion took part in full practices this week and there’s confidence that Messi will prove his fitness in time for the match in Houston.
Coach Lionel Scaloni also rested the likes of Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul and Julian Alvarez for Saturday’s 2-0 win over Peru on Matchday 3, all of whom should return to the starting lineup for this game.
Angel Di Maria reclaimed his place in the starting 11 last time out, while Nicolas Tagliafico was the only defender to keep his spot, and Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero and Lisandro Martinez should reunite with him in a back four here.
With four goals in this competition so far, including a brace against Peru, Inter Milan hitman Lautaro Martinez is set to spearhead the Argentina attack against Ecuador, flanked by Alvarez and Messi.
Argentina projected starting lineup (4-3-3, right to left): E. Martinez (GK) — Molina, Romero, Li. Martinez, Tagliafico — Di Maria, De Paul, Mac Allister — Messi, La. Martinez, Alvarez.
Argentina subs (max 15): Matchday squad released one hour prior to kickoff
After missing their previous encounter through suspension, Ecuador’s all-time leading goalscorer Enner Valencia played the full 90 against Mexico, with John Yeboah making way. He will be the man up top to provide a difference as he looks to add to his 41-goal international tally against the world champions.
Kendry Paez is an attacking force from midfield for Ecuador. He is very positive with the ball and uses his electrifying burst of speed to get past defenders. Jeremy Sarmiento‘s athleticism makes him a problem for backlines, while Alan Minda is another exciting young impact player.
Defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo and defender Piero Hincapie create a strong spine for the team.
Ecuador projected starting lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): Dominguez (GK) — Preciado, Torres, Pacho, Hincapie — Franco, M. Caicedo — Minda, Paez, Sarmiento — Valencia.
Ecuador subs (max 15): Matchday squad released one hour prior to kickoff
Argentina vs. Ecuador live stream, TV channel
| TV channel | Streaming | |
| USA | FOX, Univision, TUDN | Fubo, Fox Sports app/website, ViX, Univision Now, TUDN app/website |
| Canada | TSN 4, 5, RDS, CTV Two | TSN+, RDS App, CTV App |
| UK | Premier Sports 1 | Premier Sports Player |
| Australia | — | Optus Sport |
| India | — | — |
USA: Argentina vs. Ecuador from NRG Stadium will be televised in the United States on FOX, with a Spanish-language broadcast via Univision and TUDN. All three channels are available to stream on Fubo, with the latter offering a FREE seven-day trial.
Spanish language coverage is also available on streaming platform ViX.
UK: This match will be shown in the UK on Premier Sport Player’s platforms.
Canada: All Copa America matches can be seen in Canada on TSN’s respective TV channel and live streaming services. RDS provides French-language coverage.
Australia: Australia’s sole broadcaster for the Copa America is Optus Sport.
India: Unfortunately, there has been no official confirmation of TV and live stream broadcasts of Copa America in India. Reports had suggested that FanCode and Sony were ready to take up broadcast rights for the tournament but, as yet, that has not been made official. So at the moment, there is no official platform in India on which viewers can stream or any channel on which the match will be broadcast.
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