Here’s a paraphrased version: “Argentina vs. Ecuador match odds, predicted lineup, streaming details, Messi’s availability: How to watch Copa America online”

Here’s a paraphrased version: “The primary concern for Argentina revolves around Lionel Messi’s fitness for the start of the knockout stage.”

Here’s a paraphrased version: “Argentina’s pursuit of consecutive Copa America titles intensifies on Thursday as they enter the knockout stages against Ecuador at 9 p.m. ET. The defending champions are heavily favored following three group stage victories, but the focus remains on Lionel Messi’s fitness. Argentina possesses considerable attacking prowess to compensate if Messi is unavailable, yet their initial challenge is a resilient Ecuador team that revived their tournament after a challenging start.”

Here’s a paraphrased version: “Viewing options and betting lines
Date: Thursday, July 4 | Time: 9 p.m. ET
Venue: NRG Stadium — Houston, Texas
TV: Fox | Stream live: Fubo (Free trial available)
Betting Odds: Argentina -230; Draw +310; Ecuador +750″

Storylines

Argentina: Things have been smooth sailing for the defending champions, who secured victories in all their group stage matches without conceding a goal. They achieved this both with and without Messi, who participated in their initial two matches, assisting Lautaro Martinez’s goal against Canada, but sat out the final Group A fixture against Peru. Messi’s absence didn’t hinder Argentina, as they had already secured qualification for the quarterfinals, allowing coach Lionel Scaloni to showcase his squad’s depth successfully. Martinez particularly excelled, scoring twice to bring his Copa America tally to four goals.

While Argentina would prefer to have Messi on the pitch, his return to training on Tuesday is a positive sign. However, uncertainties about his availability will persist until the team’s announcement on Thursday. Early indications suggest he will start, with reports from Argentina indicating as much.

Ecuador: Ecuador found themselves in a favorable group alongside Venezuela, Mexico, and Jamaica but faced early challenges in the competition, including Enner Valencia’s red card and a subsequent loss to Venezuela. They rebounded with crucial results against Jamaica and Mexico, benefitting from below-par performances by the CONCACAF teams at the Copa America. Valencia’s return boosts their prospects, but now they face their toughest test yet. They take confidence from holding Argentina to a narrow 1-0 defeat in a recent friendly, although Scaloni rotated his squad that day, including benching Messi.

Predicted starting lineups

Argentina:
Emiliano Martinez, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Nicolas Tagliafico, Rodrigo De Paul, Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernandez, Nicolas Gonzalez, Lionel Messi, Julian Alvarez

Ecuador:
Alexander Domínguez, Angelo Preciado, Felix Torres, Willian Pacho, Piero Hincapie, Alan Franco, Moises Caicedo, Kendry Paez, Jeremy Sarmiento, Kevin Rodriguez, Enner Valencia

Forecast

Argentina is expected to dominate this match, whether or not Messi plays. The reigning champions are likely to rely on multiple attackers to secure another victory in the Copa America, possibly keeping a clean sheet. Prediction: Argentina 3, Ecuador 0.