Our prediction for this Copa America match:
Argentina
Match Time & Date:
05/07/2024
03:00
Prediction: 1-0
Ecuador
High-flying Argentina will be aiming to keep their 100% record at the 2024 Copa America intact when they take on Ecuador in the quarter-finals. La Albiceleste are eyeing their ninth consecutive triumph in all competitions and seeing that key players Leo Messi and Alexis Mac Allister return to the starting XI, home win should be considered. Inter striker Lautaro Martinez could keep his place in the starting line-up after scoring a brace in a 2-0 win over Peru.
La Tri, on the other hand, set up a meeting with the world champions thanks to a goalless draw with Mexico. As Ecuador were having their ups and downs in the group stages, we believe that there is a big value in betting on the title holders. As for the nominal visitors, Royale Union SG midfielder Kevin Rodriguez limped off with injury in the last group game, with San Jose Earthquakes man Carlos Gruezo likely to step up.
Highlighted Player (Lionel Messi):
Lionel Messi is regarded as one of the best players in the history of football. He was born on 24 June, 1987 in Rosario and he began his football career at Newell’s Old Boys. At age 10 he was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency, but having realized his potential at a young age, Barcelona decided to pay for his treatment.
Messi joined Barca in 2001 and he has been playing for the Camp Nou outfit ever since. The Argentine magician has won eight La Liga trophies with Barca and he helped the Catalan giants lift no less than four Champions League titles (2005/2006, 2008/2009, 2010/2011, 2014/2015).
In the 2011/2012 La Liga campaign Messi scored 50 goals for Barca, while netting 14 goals in the 2011/2012 Champions League campaign. The five-time Golden Ball award winner has established himself as Barcelona’s all-time top scorer, but he has yet to win a trophy with Argentina national team at major tournaments. Leo Messi, though, has won Olympic Gold Medal (2008) and FIFA World Youth Championship (2005), with la Albiceleste.
Highlighted Team (Ecuador):
Ecuador had endured difficult times in footballing terms having been considered to be one of the more struggling football nations in South America, but the Tri have managed to transform themselves into a team that can never be taken lightly at the international scene.
Ecuador has taken part in three of the 22 World Cups with 12 position they achieved in 2006 in Germany being their best result so far. La Tricolor head into Copa America Centenario tied at the top of CONMEBOL’s World Cup qualifying table and their chances of making it through from group B have been increased with good results and alike performances.
Ivan Hurtado played for El Tri since 1992 to 2014 and former centre-back remains the most capped international with 168 games to his name. Ecuador captain Walter Ayovi is the active player with most games in the national team, while Felipe Caicedo with 19 goals is the top scorer of Gustavo Quinteros’ side.
Chelsea 
Aston Villa 
Manchester United 
Everton
Tottenham
Fulham
Real Madrid 
Getafe
Liverpool
Man City 
Lecce 
Juventus 
