Why Is Lionel Messi Not Playing Tonight for Argentina vs Ecuador?

The Argentina national team will be taking on Ecuador for their final World Cup qualifier match of the CONMEBOL.

Argentina is already qualified and will finish first in the CONMEBOL qualification table, no matter the result against Ecuador. Argentina defeated Venezuela 3-0 last week, and Ecuador drew 0-0 against Paraguay.

Lionel Messi scored a brace in Argentina's 3-0 win and played his final home World Cup qualifier match with the Argentina national team.

Messi was called up for the matches against Venezuela and Ecuador, but he will not play against Ecuador, nor did he travel with the rest of the team.

The Reason Why Lionel Messi won't Play vs Ecuador

After the game against Venezuela, Messi revealed that he asked Argentina head coach Lionel Scaloni for permission to miss the game against Ecuador to rest.

Messi mentions prioritizing resting to focus on the upcoming games with Inter Miami after failing to win the Leagues Cup.

Lionel Messi: "I have talked with Scaloni and we decided that I should rest and don't travel against Ecuador. As I just told you, I’m coming off an injury. Even though I’m already fine, we preferred to avoid me traveling and having to play another match. I need to rest well and prepare properly for what’s coming. It’s an important challenge where we are aiming for the MLS, which we want to win."

Scaloni also confirmed that it was a mutual decision not to let Messi play against Ecuador after the player had just recovered from an injury he suffered in early August.

The manager will rely on other players who have the opportunity to earn a spot on the World Cup roster next summer.

Lionel Scaloni: "Leo Messi will not play against Ecuador. He’s not going to travel. He has put in a huge effort and deserves well-deserved rest and to be with his family."