Argentinian star Lionel Messi is expected to return for Argentina in tonight’s Copa America Round of 16 match.
Messi sat for Argentina with a groin strain last time out against Peru, and his return will obviously be a boost for the Copa America favorites.
FanDuel places Argentina as a big favorite (-470) to move past Ecuador and advance to the quarterfinals on Thursday night.
Ecuador barely skated past the group stage earlier in the tournament, having lost to Venezuela prior to beating Jamaica and tying Mexico.
Argentina vs. Ecuador odds
- Argentina: -470 vs. Ecuador +340
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Argentina vs. Ecuador prediction
Ecuador has played very strong defense in Copa America, as has Argentina.
Goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez has been in wonderful form so far in the Copa and he is a fair bet to stop an average Ecuadorian attack.
Argentina is yet to allow a goal in this year’s tournament.
This game projects out to be a stalemate from the two sides as they have been wonderful on the defensive end.
Ecuador allowed the third-most shots in the group stage, although only 12 of them reached the goal-keeper and were only scored on three times.
Argentine forward Lautaro Martinez could have a field day in this one, as Mexican striker Santiago Gimenez had five shots in Ecuador’s last meeting.
Martinez has four goals this tournament and is a good bet to create havoc again tonight.
Keeper Alexander Dominguez will have a tough matchup ahead of him against a fierce Argentine group and his strong play could be enough to make it interesting.
But in the end, we expect Argentina to move past them in the quarterfinal, and it could even be in penalty kicks.
PICK: 3-way moneyline: Draw (+310, DraftKings) | Lautaro Martinez goal scorer (+180)