Argentina's national team notched a bitter finish to the end of the South American World Cup qualifiers with a disappointing 1-0 defeat to Ecuador on Wednesday night.
The loss in Guayaquil is likely to an end to the Albiceleste's dominant reign at the top spot of the FIFA world rankings too.
According to football experts, Spain is expected to claim the throne when FIFA next updates its list, taking Argentina’s place. La Roja will be followed by France, while Lionel Scaloni’s team would fall down to third place.
The absence of Lionel Messi was felt heavily against Ecuador. Only one game on from a solid showing against Venezuela – in which Messi scored a brace in his farewell World Cup qualifier in Buenos Aires in front of a sell-out crowd – Argentina just couldn’t get going.
Nicolás Otamendi ended his own qualifiers career with the national team early, sent off after only 31 minutes with a straight red card for taking down Enner Valencia, who was through on goal.
Otamendi, who had filled in as captain in Messi’s absence, was left to make his farewell via Instagram to the loyal fans who have witnessed him play the fifth-highest number of matches with Argentina ever. He posted: “Proud of this group, today, tomorrow, and forever. Vamos Argentina.”
Valencia, the 34-year-old dubbed 'Superman' who was also playing his own final CONMEBOL World Cup qualifier, scored the decisive goal 27 minutes later, delivering a historic conclusion to his own run. It was his 100th appearance for his country. “God’s timing is perfect,” Valencia said afterwards.
Many goodbyes were said this Tuesday in South America, but this trio of national team stars will be seen again soon – all three are set to compete in North America at the 2026 World Cup.
– TIMES/AFP/PERFIL
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