Argentina looked fragile without their captain.
On September 10, in the final round of South American World Cup qualifiers, Argentina suffered a 0-1 defeat away to Ecuador, ending their campaign with a loss. The result not only created unwanted records but also ended their 17-month reign as the world’s No.1 ranked team.
Without Messi, Argentina Drop a Level
Coach Lionel Scaloni chose to rest 38-year-old Lionel Messi, but his absence was glaring.
Defensively, Nicolás Otamendi was sent off for denying a clear chance, while goalkeeper Emiliano “Dibu” Martínez made several key saves to keep the scoreline close. Offensively, Lautaro Martínez and Julián Álvarez failed to make an impact. Argentina finished with 8 shots and none on target, a shocking statistic for the reigning World Cup champions.
A 10-Year Low + Fall in Rankings
The defeat marked Argentina’s first loss to Ecuador in 10 years, the last coming in October 2015.
More damaging, Argentina will drop from No.1 to No.3 in the FIFA rankings when the update comes on September 17, overtaken by Spain and France. Since April 2023, Argentina had held the top spot for 17 consecutive months, but that dominance has now ended.
The Big Question: Can Argentina Win Without Messi?
With Messi past his peak, Argentina must prove they can win decisive matches without him. This loss highlighted how dependent the team still is on their legendary captain.
It wasn’t just a defeat — it was a reality check for the reigning world champions in the post-Messi era.
