Copa America: Argentina vs. Ecuador odds, picks and predictions

Argentina meets Ecuador Thursday in a Copa America quarterfinal matchup. Kickoff from NRG Stadium in Houston is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (FOX). Below, we analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Argentina vs. Ecuador odds, and make our best soccer bets, picks and predictions.

The big news surrounding Argentina is the fitness of F Lionel Messi. He has been training with the team, but his status for Thursday’s matchup is unclear due to a lingering leg injury. He missed Saturday’s match against Peru — a 2-0 win for Argentina — and manager Lionel Scaloni has said Messi is a game-time decision for this quarterfinal battle.

While Messi went scoreless in the first 2 Copa America games, he is still arguably one of the best players to ever step on the pitch, so his absence would be huge. Still, Argentina is the defending World Cup champion, and it has plenty of depth. F Lautaro Martinez has 4 goals in the tournament, while F Julian Alvarez is the other goal scorer for La Albiceleste.

G Emiliano Martinez has posted 3 consecutive clean sheets at Copa America with Argentina outscoring the opposition 5-0 in the 3 matches.

Ecuador was on the short end of a 2-1 setback to Venezuela in the opening match. F Enner Valencia, the team’s captain, had a high boot at 22′ which resulted in a red card, forcing La Tricolor to play the remainder of the match with just 10 men.

Ecuador bounced back by pounding Jamaica 3-1, and it held off a charge from Mexico in a scoreless draw to secure 2nd place in Group B.

D Piero Hincapie, MF Alan Minda, MF Kendry Paez and MF Jeremy Sarmiento have each scored in the tournament.

World class soccer coverage all in one place: Get ESPN+

Argentina vs. Ecuador odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 6:10 a.m. ET.

• Moneyline: Argentina -230 (bet $230 to win $100) | Ecuador +750 (bet $100 to win $750) | Draw +310 (bet $100 to win $310)
• Over/Under: 2.5 (O: +138 | U: -170)

Argentina vs. Ecuador picks and predictions

Prediction

Argentina 1, Ecuador 1 (PK)

Moneyline (ML)

Playing DRAW (+310) in regulation is the way to go in this battle as the match isn’t likely to be decided before extra time. These teams should battle deep into the Houston night, and eventually it will come down to penalty kicks to determine a winner.

Martinez has been money in this tournament, and he’ll help Argentina advance, securing 1 of the final 4 spots in Copa America.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 2.5 (-170) is a strong play in this match between CONMEBOL combatants. Argentina has kept a clean sheet in all 3 matches to date, but Ecuador should push the tempo, especially in the 2nd half, and it is deep enough to get on the board.

However, don’t look for more than 2 goals in full time, and it is expected that this match is decided on penalties. That won’t count against your total.

: For the American soccer fan, USA TODAY Sports Media Group’s website provides a fresh look at the beautiful game.

For more sports betting picks and tips

SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter/X. Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.