Match story
- Ecuador fired more attempts (10 vs 6 shots).
- Argentina held more of the ball (53% possession).
Ecuador and Argentina drew 1-1 in the World Cup - Qualification South America. The fixture is part of the Group Stage - 18 stage in the 2022 season. The match was played at Estadio Monumental Banco Pichincha in Guayaquil. Raphael Claus officiated the match. The full-time result capped a Ecuador vs Argentina meeting in World Cup - Qualification South America with detailed post-match statistics available on Sportra. This match centre covers lineups, live events, player ratings, team statistics, xG, head-to-head history, and related news for Ecuador and Argentina. On Sportra you can view xG, lineups, match statistics, events, player ratings, predictions, head-to-head history, and related news for this fixture.
World Cup - Qualification South AmericaRecorded meetings: 0 (available previous meetings, not necessarily all-time).
Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos explained how Lionel Messi was able to return to the MLS in less than two weeks from the 2026 World Cup final. Lionel Messi has officially returned to the pitch for Inter Miami following Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Less than two weeks after squaring off against Spain, head coach Guillermo Hoyos shed light on the driving forces behind the superstar’s MLS rapid turn-around. Following the World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, Messi took a brief vacation before reporting back to Inter Miami’s Fort Lauderdale training facility on Wednesday. With only a couple of team sessions under his belt, the legendary forward suited up to aid the Herons in their ongoing quest for MLS hardware. On Saturday, Aug. 1, Inter Miami hosted the Columbus Crew. Rather than watching from a luxury box as originally expected, Messi was named to the matchday squad as a substitute. The captain entered in the 53rd minute and made an immediate impact, firing four shots (one on target), though the Herons ultimately settled for a 2-2 draw after Columbus midfielder Brais Mendez scored an 84th-minute equalizer. In his postgame press conference, Hoyos praised the dedication of his squad, singling out international stars Messi and Rodrigo De Paul: “I want to thank all the players for the effort they put in. I especially want to thank Leo and Rodri for traveling and showing up so soon after the World Cup. That was very important. This is a difficult, competitive league. We were winning in the 86th minute and wanted three points, but ended up with one. The game escaped us in the final minutes.“ Lionel Messi #10 of Inter Miami CF controls the ball against the Columbus Crew. Hoyos on what drove Messi’s accelerated return Unlike his international teammate De Paul, who did not suit up Saturday, Messi defied expectations by making his return to competitive play in less than a fortnight. Instead of waiting for the club’s upcoming Leagues Cup debut, the 39-year-old insisted on getting match minutes under his belt against Columbus. When asked how Messi managed to stay fit and return so quickly, Hoyos offered a simple explanation: “Love for the game. The feeling towards a team as well. He is a football player, and when we are football players, we never leave football behind. Today I am a manager, but I will never stop being a football player. It is a very strong feeling.“ Hoyos’ sentiment aligns with Messi’s actions during his abbreviated time off. While resting in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, the star was spotted supporting Leones FC (the fourth-division club presided over by his brother, Matias) proving that even during his downtime, soccer remains front and center. Inter Miami now shifts its focus to the 2026 Leagues Cup, opening tournament play against Mexican side Atletico San Luis on Wednesday, Aug. 5, at Nu Stadium. While De Paul’s availability remains a storyline to monitor, Messi’s participation is all but guaranteed following his cameo against the Crew.
Juan Cuadrado confirmed interest from an MLS team, leading many to wonder whether he could end up as Lionel Messi's teammate at Inter Miami. Juan Cuadrado finds himself without a club after his one-year stint at Pisa in Italy’s Serie A came to an end on June 30, and Lionel Messi‘s Inter Miami have emerged as a possible suitor for the Colombian, after he confirmed he received an offer from MLS. Besides MLS, the 37-year-old player revealed in an interview with DSports that he also has offers from Mexico and a club in Europe. “There are offers from the United States, from Mexico, and one from Europe that isn’t confirmed yet, but there are talks… Right now I’m waiting on proposals, but for the moment I’m not ruling out the FPC (Professional Colombian Football),” Cuadrado revealed. While Cuadrado hasn’t revealed any of the clubs that have shown interest in him, Inter Miami could easily be one of the MLS sides in the mix for several reasons. The Colombian is currently a free agent, which would make any move straightforward from a contractual standpoint. Since he wouldn’t need to be signed as a Designated Player, the Herons wouldn’t have to touch their salary cap structure to fit him in — a detail that matters given how tightly Miami already manage their DP slots around Messi, Rodrigo De Paul and German Berterame. German Berterame celebrates a goal with Lionel Messi. (Getty Images) There’s also a clear on-field need he could fill. Facundo Mura, the Argentine right back Inter Miami signed as a free agent from Racing Club, has yet to find the level he showed during his time in Argentina. Cuadrado, who can also operate as a right-sided midfielder, would give Hoyos both direct competition for that spot and extra depth on the right flank, something the squad could use as the fixture list piles up. Cuadrado brings a wealth of experience Then there’s the experience factor. Cuadrado cuenta con muchos partidos con una alta carga de presión, having played in a Champions League final. There, he came on as a substitute for Juventus in the 2016-17 decider against Real Madrid, where they lost 1-4 in Cardiff. On the international stage, he featured for Colombia at two World Cups, 2014 and 2018, and across five editions of the Copa America, helping the team to third-place finishes in 2016 and 2021 over more than 110 caps for La Tricolor. None of that guarantees a move to Fort Lauderdale, but between the financial fit, the positional need, and the pedigree he’d bring to the dressing room, Inter Miami have plenty of reasons to keep an eye on Cuadrado’s situation as he weighs his options between MLS, Mexico, Europe and Colombia.
Lionel Messi's return with Inter Miami remains uncertain, and it looks like it won't come against Columbus Crew in the next MLS matchup. Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos has cast fresh doubt over whether Lionel Messi will be fit to face the Columbus Crew this Saturday, just days after the Argentine captain rejoined the squad following Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final. Messi returned to training in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday, July 29, but Hoyos stopped short of confirming his captain would be included for the visit of Columbus, leaving the door open without making any promises. Speaking to reporters after the training session, Hoyos was asked directly about Messi’s chances of featuring. “We’re talking along those lines. He arrived not long ago, so we haven’t really had the space yet to talk properly, but we’re very happy that he’s back,” the coach said. Rodrigo De Paul finds himself in an identical spot, having rejoined the squad at the same time as his compatriot, meaning his availability for Inter Miami’s next MLS clash is also in doubt. 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi and Rodrigo De Paul are Both Back!The two Argentines have both returned from their post-World Cup breaks to resume practicing with Inter Miami.Guillermo Hoyos did not provide any specifics as to their availability for Saturday vs Columbus. #InterMiamiCF #Messi pic.twitter.com/UOBecSJSv3— Franco Panizo (@FrancoPanizo) July 31, 2026 Notably, Inter Miami haven’t needed either of them to keep winning. The club beat Chicago Fire 3-2, with Luis Suárez scoring a brace, and followed it up with a 1-0 win at CF Montreal with the Uruguayan finding the net again, stretching their run to six straight victories. Messi’s potential return to the pitch with Inter Miami If Saturday comes too soon, the more realistic target for Messi’s first appearance since the World Cup final is Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup opener against Atletico San Luis on August 5. That date would also line up with games against Monterrey on August 8 and Leon on August 12 to close the group stage, giving Hoyos a clearer runway to manage Messi’s reintegration than a compressed turnaround against Columbus would allow.
FIFA has opened disciplinary proceedings against Argentina following a series of incidents that took place during the World Cup.According to the Daily Mail, the incidents include the display of a cont...
Manchester City is reportedly targeting the signing of Argentina goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, who could return to the club to finally make his debut. Geronimo Rulli has emerged as a surprise target in the 2026 summer transfer window, with Manchester City reportedly eyeing the Argentina goalkeeper on a permanent transfer. Nine years after his initial exit, the shot-stopper could finally return to the Citizens to make his long-awaited club debut. According to transfer insider Fabrizio Romano, Manchester City is targeting Rulli from Ligue 1 side Olympique de Marseille. The plan calls for the veteran Argentine to serve as the primary backup under manager Enzo Maresca while Italian international Gianluigi Donnarumma holds down the starting job. City’s interest in Rulli comes as secondary goalkeeper James Trafford nears a permanent transfer to Leeds United. As reported by The Athletic, the prospective deal carries a £40 million ($53 million USD) fee plus add-ons, a figure that would make Trafford the fifth-most expensive goalkeeper in history behind Kepa Arrizabalaga ($91M), Alisson Becker ($71M), Gianluigi Buffon ($60M), and André Onana ($60M). Rulli, who currently serves as the primary backup for the Argentina national team, remains under contract with Marseille through June 2027. According to Argentine transfer expert Uriel Iugt, Manchester City has already agreed to personal terms on a two-year contract with the keeper, leaving Trafford’s formal departure and club-to-club negotiations as the final hurdles. Hugo Ekitike of Liverpool battles for possession with Geronimo Rulli of Marseille. Rulli positioned for long-awaited City debut Rulli built his European career through consistent stints in Spain, France, and the Netherlands. However, his history with Manchester City remains a notable curiosity: despite formally belonging to the club nearly a decade ago, he never played a single minute for the Sky Blues. A product of Argentina’s Estudiantes de La Plata academy, Rulli completed a €3.5 million move to Uruguayan side Deportivo Maldonado in 2014, a club frequently utilized as a transactional bridge for player rights. That same window, he joined Real Sociedad on a two-year loan before Manchester City purchased his rights for €4.7 million in 2016, immediately loaning him back to the Spanish club. During the January 2017 transfer window, Real Sociedad triggered a €7 million buy option to sign Rulli permanently, ending his first stint at Manchester City before he ever put on the shirt. The Argentine keeper came close to returning to the Etihad Stadium later that year, but a personal decision kept him in Spain. Ahead of the 2017-18 campaign, Mundo Deportivo reported that Manchester City considered activating a €14 million buyback clause. Manager Pep Guardiola envisioned Rulli sharing goalkeeping duties with Claudio Bravo, but Rulli opted to remain at Real Sociedad to secure guaranteed playing time ahead of the 2018 World Cup, a tournament he ultimately missed following an untimely injury.
Online petitions are calling for Lionel Messi to have his 2026 Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, following the 2026 World Cup final between Argentina and Spain. Lionel Messi‘s Princess of Asturias Award for Sports, won back on June 3, 2026, has become an unexpected source of controversy in Spain following the 2026 World Cup final. According to reports from outlets like La Razón, more than 30 separate campaigns have popped up online calling for the foundation to reconsider or revoke the honor before its official ceremony in October. It’s worth being clear from the outset: none of this is official. These are online petitions, not a formal review process, and as of now, the Fundación Princesa de Asturias haven’t issued any statement responding to the campaigns. Still, the scale is notable — one of the more prominent petitions has already surpassed 1,500 signatures in just over a week, and the sheer number of separate campaigns circulating suggests this isn’t a fringe complaint. The 2026 World Cup final involved The grievances cited in these petitions center on specific moments from the final and its aftermath: Messi appearing to push for a red card against Marc Cucurella and showing little concern after accidentally striking Mikel Merino in the head with the ball. Messi ile Cucurella arasında geçen diyalog: 🗣️Cucurella: “Sen iyi misin Leo, özür dilerim.”🗣️Messi: “Hey, ağzını kapattı.”🗣️Cucurella: “Hadi ama Leo, bu iş ciddiye binmesin.”pic.twitter.com/7p4sKhzeN0— EPL Günlükleri (@EPL_Gunlukleri) July 21, 2026 There is also broader frustration tied to the flag controversy that arose during Argentina’s semifinal win over England involving the Falklands Islands. Petitioners argue these episodes run counter to the values of respect and fair play the award is meant to recognize. Messi joins a short list of honorees Messi’s award makes him the only individual footballer to win the Princess of Asturias Award for Sports on his own, joining Iker Casillas and Xavi Hernandez as the only other footballers to be recognized, though the two Spaniards received the honor jointly in 2012 rather than individually. Football has also been recognized at the national team level twice before: Spain’s national side won the award in 2010 following their first World Cup title, and Brazil’s national team took the honor in 2002 after securing a record fifth World Cup crown.
After taking his decision to retire, Slavko Vincic reflected on his performance at the 2026 World Cup and his conversation with Argentina's Lionel Messi. Slavko Vincic elected to walk away from officiating after taking center stage for the 2026 World Cup final, closing out his career on soccer’s grandest stage. While looking back at Spain’s dramatic victory over Argentina, the Slovenian referee addressed his on-field conversations with Lionel Messi during the high-stakes final. One week after the final whistle at MetLife Stadium, the Football Association of Slovenia (NZS) officially announced Vincic’s retirement, celebrating his milestone assignment: “A week after the World Cup final in the USA, Slavko Vincic has officially concluded his historic refereeing career at the very top of the world.“ In an interview with Slovenian outlet Sport, Vincic admitted that hearing of his final assignment initially came as a shock. However, representing Slovenian officiating on the world stage was a profound honor, especially “when your entire refereeing career comes down to a single match.“ The match itself featured several critical refereeing moments, highlighted by Enzo Fernandez receiving a second yellow card late in the second half following a tackle on Pau Cubarsi. Despite the high pressure, Vincic praised the officiating crew’s performance: “We were not the main topic of conversation after the match, which shows that we did our job well overall. I think our refereeing strategy was the right one.“ Captains Rodri of Spain and Lionel Messi of Argentina pose with Referee Slavko Vincic and match officials before World Cup Final. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) Vincic’s exchange with Messi With Spain controlling the tempo, Argentina struggled to generate late momentum. One notable moment saw Marc Cucurella covering his mouth to speak to Messi, prompting the Argentine forward to call out the gesture to officials. When asked about his direct interactions with Messi during the match, Vincic kept the specifics confidential while praising the superstar’s conduct. “I will leave that conversation on the pitch. But I can say that Messi behaved in a completely sportsmanlike manner,” he stated. Messi’s tough luck with Vincic on the whistle Despite a long international career beginning in 2010, Vincic rarely crossed paths with Messi in European club competitions. Vincic officiated a Barcelona match against Inter Milan in October 2022 after Messi had joined PSG, and later refereed a PSG-AC Milan fixture in October 2023 after Messi had already moved to Inter Miami. Instead, the pair’s only encounters came on the World Cup stage, and both ended in heartbreak for Messi. Their first meeting occurred during Argentina’s shocking 2-1 defeat to Saudi Arabia in 2022, followed by Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory in the 2026 final, marking the only two World Cup losses of Lionel Scaloni’s managerial tenure.
With the MLS game against the Columbus Crew and with the Leagues Cup debut on the horizon, Lionel Messi and German Berterame returned to Inter Miami's training ground. Lionel Messi has officially returned to South Florida, rejoining Inter Miami ahead of a crucial late-summer stretch in the 2026 season. Coupled with the return of forward German Berterame, the Herons are bolstering their lineup as they prepare for a high-stakes MLS fixture against the Columbus Crew and the upcoming kickoff of the Leagues Cup. Following his campaign with Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, Messi traveled back to his hometown of Rosario to spend extended downtime with his family. During his stay in Argentina, local news outlet TN reported that the superstar visited his father, Jorge Messi, and made a public appearance at a match for Leones FC, a local club presided over by his brother, Matias. After spending a week recharging back home, Messi was spotted at the airport with his family Tuesday night, greeting fans before boarding his flight, as captured in video footage published by ESPN. The Argentine icon landed back on American soil Wednesday and immediately reported to Inter Miami‘s training facility, as confirmed by photos shared across the club’s social media accounts. Having been granted extended rest by MLS following his World Cup run, Messi was excused from participating in Wednesday night’s MLS vs. Liga MX All-Star Game in Charlotte. As a result, rookie midfielder Yannick Bright stood as Inter Miami’s sole representative at the midsummer exhibition showcase. The arrivals hit different today 👋💗 pic.twitter.com/RofdUJE2kf— Inter Miami CF (@InterMiamiCF) July 29, 2026 Roster reinforcements arrive in South Florida Beyond Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami received a major boost with the return of both German Berterame and goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair. The news comes as a massive relief for the club; Berterame received medical clearance after a frightening head collision in his previous match, while St. Clair rejoined the squad following his World Cup stint with the Canadian national team. The return of the trio comes at a critical juncture for an Inter Miami squad currently battling a depth crisis due to an injury bug that has sidelined David Ayala, Tadeo Allende, Gonzalo Lujan, and Maxi Falcon. Meanwhile, status updates remain pending for Messi’s Argentine teammate Rodrigo De Paul, who has yet to rejoin the club following the World Cup final. Will Lionel Messi play against the Columbus Crew? Despite reporting back to the facility Wednesday, it remains unlikely that Messi will take the pitch Saturday, August 1, against the Columbus Crew. With Messi having not played a competitive match since July 19 and lacking recent training reps, the Herons’ medical staff is unlikely to rush the 39-year-old superstar back into action. However, the outlook for Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup opener appears far more promising. The Herons are set to host Mexican side Atletico San Luis on Wednesday, August 5, at Nu Stadium, where a full week of training sessions should position Messi to return to the starting XI and anchor Inter Miami’s attack.
FIFA has opened disciplinary cases against Spain's Gavi and numerous Argentina players following the 2026 World Cup final, with AFA accused of four potential breaches throughout the entire tournament. The fallout from the 2026 World Cup final continues to escalate, particularly following the wild postgame brawl that erupted on the pitch at MetLife Stadium. In response, soccer’s global governing body has opened formal disciplinary proceedings against Spain midfielder Gavi and several Argentina players, while hitting the Argentine Football Association (AFA) with four alleged code violations. In a statement released Wednesday, FIFA confirmed that its Disciplinary Committee launched an official investigation into the AFA for potential breaches across four separate articles of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The charges include “using a sporting event for demonstrations of a non-sporting nature,” “inappropriate behavior,” “discrimination and racist attacks,” and failure to maintain “order and security at matches.” FIFA cited a series of infractions spanning the entire tournament, not just the chaotic scenes after the final whistle against Spain, including “discriminatory chants and gestures, delayed kickoffs, non-compliance with match and security protocols, the display of inappropriate messages by the team and spectators, and the throwing of objects by spectators across multiple matches,” such as a controversial flag displayed following their win over England. Players, coaching staff face potential suspensions FIFA also singled out key figures involved in the postgame scrum following the final whistle. The list of investigated individuals includes Argentine players Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and Thiago Almada, along with assistant coach Roberto Ayala. Midfielder Pablo Martin Paez Gavira, universally known as Gavi, was the sole Spanish player named in the proceedings. Leandro Paredes #5 of Argentina and Eric Garcia #4 of Spain have words after the World Cup 2026 Final. Paredes faces the most severe scrutiny, with proceedings opened for three counts of assault following his physical altercation with Eric Garcia and Gavi. Fellow Argentina defender Nahuel Molina faces two counts of assault, while assistant coach Roberto Ayala was charged with one count stemming from a heated confrontation with Dani Olmo. Beyond the assault allegations, FIFA initiated separate proceedings for potential violations regarding unsporting behavior. The governing body levied single charges of unsportsmanlike conduct against Molina, Almada, and Spain’s Gavi for their involvement in the melee. No rulings issued yet as parties prepare defense Despite opening formal proceedings, FIFA has not yet handed down any fines or suspensions to the players, coaches, or the AFA. Under the FIFA Disciplinary Code, the Argentine federation and the individuals named have been granted time to submit evidence, present their accounts of the incident, and file a formal response to the charges. Once the Disciplinary Committee reviews the submitted defenses alongside broadcast footage and official match reports, FIFA will issue its final rulings and penalties. Potential sanctions will be evaluated on an individual, case-by-case basis.
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