Di Maria scores, Messi comes off the bench as Argentina beat Ecuador 1-0 at Soldier Field

That's all for today! Argentina claimed a 1-0 friendly win over Ecuador in their first game in the June international window, and you lived every moment of the game with us, here on Bolavip. We hope you enjoyed it!

Thanks for staying with us and we'll see you next time!

Argentina beat Ecuador 1-0 with Di Maria's goal.

A pitch invader enters the field but security stop him before he could greet Messi.

Nicolas Gonzalez gets booked for an ugly challenge on Kendry Paez, who is still in pain.

Four more minutes will be played at Soldier Field.

Lucas Martinez Quarta and Exequiel Palacios enter the pitch, with Gonzalo Montiel and Rodrigo de Paul leaving the game.

Nicolas Gonzalez replaces Paredes while Angel Correa comes on for Julian Alvarez in Argentina.

Angel Mena takes Sarmiento's spot in Ecuador.

Alan Franco sent the ball to the box but Martinez intercepted it to keep things 1-0 for Argentina.

Ecuador can't find ways to own the ball with Argentina looking to be aggressive whenever they get possession.

Gruezo gets booked for a strong challenge on Paredes.

Two substitutions in Ecuador: Enner Valencia for Alan Minda and Carlos Gruezo for Joao Ortiz.

Messi almost set up the second for Argentina, but Enzo Fernandez couldn't finish it off as Galindez left him no space.

Lionel Messi sends Soldier Field into a frenzy as he comes on for Di Maria.

Hernan Galindez saved a dangerous header by Lautaro Martinez.

Fans at Soldier Field are going wild as Messi is already warming up on the sidelines.

The second half gets underway at Soldier Field.

Even though Messi was expected to come on, it looks like he'll be playing less than 45' in Chicago.

Argentina lead Ecuador 1-0 at the break thanks to Di Maria's goal.

Here's the video of Di Maria's opener for Argentina.

The Argentine winger almost extended the lead shortly after the opener.

Angel Di Maria scored the opener in Chicago with a beautiful finish inside the box.

Marcos Acuña with another shot for Argentina but it goes to the stands.

Galindez dove to his left to deny Lisandro Martinez's opener.

Hernan Galindez almost lost the ball in the build-up and Julian Alvarez forced a corner kick for Argentina.

Hernan Galindez saved a dangerous shot by Lisandro Martinez to keep things level in Chicago.

A reminder that Lionel Messi is on the bench, with Argentine NT insider Gaston Edul of TyC Sports reporting Leo will play in the second half.

Di Maria's effort went wide but it was his side's first shot in the game.

Watch Caicedo's foul on Lautaro.

De Paul and Caicedo have a heated moment as the Argentine midfielder is still furious at the Ecuadorian for the foul on Lautaro.

After a poor start, Argentina are slowly taking control of possession.

Caicedo was booked for a strong challenge on Lautaro Martinez.

Ecuador continue to put pressure on Argentina, who are unable to take the ball away from La Tri.

Those in attendance who are rooting for Ecuador boo and whistle the Argentine keeper whenever he touches the ball.

La Tri started the game aggressively, looking for the opener in Chicago.

The game is underway at Soldier Field.

Both nations listen to the national anthems as the game is about to get underway.

Argentina and Ecuador are walking out to the field. Time for the national anthems before kick-off.

Warm up is over! Both Argentina and Ecuador are in the locker rooms to get ready for the match.

Only 10 minutes for kick-off!

Both Argentina and Ecuador are already performing warm-up drills at Soldier Field.

Kick-off in almost 20 minutes!

Argentina have confirmed their lineup with Messi on the bench.

Argentine national team insider Gaston Edul of TyC Sports reports Messi will play the second half for Argentina.

This is how La Albiceleste will reportedly line up today: Emiliano Martinez; Gonzalo Montiel, Cristian Romero, Lisandro Martinez, Marcos Acuña; Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso; Julian Alvarez, Lautaro Martinez, Angel Di Maria.

This will be Ecuador's starting lineup against Argentina at Soldier Field today.

Both teams play for the first time in the June international window.

In March, Argentina claimed friendly wins over El Salvador (3-0) and Costa Rica (3-1) in the US.

That month, Ecuador beat Guatemala 2-0 before losing 2-0 to Italy.

Both Argentina and Ecuador are already at Soldier Field for tonight's game!

This will be the 40th meeting between Argentina and Ecuador.

La Albiceleste gain the upper hand in the all-time record with 23 victories, 11 draws and just five defeats. Argentina are also on a great streak against La Tri, with five wins and a draw in their last six matches.

Last time they met, a Lionel Messi free-kick golazo gave his nation the win in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.

Soldier Field is home to the NFL franchise Chicago Bears, but it has also seen many soccer games throughout its rich history.

It was one of the 1994 World Cup venues, hosting five games in that tournament, including the inaugural match between Germany and Bolivia.

Most recently, Soldier Field held four Copa America Centenario games in 2016: Venezuela 1-0 Jamaica, USA 4-0 Costa Rica, Argentina 5-0 Panama, and Chile 2-0 Colombia.

A general view of Soldier Field.

Canadian ref Drew Fisher will officiate tonight's game between Argentina and Ecuador. He'll be joined by American assistants, with Luis Uranga and Ryan Graves as linemans and Greg Dopka as the fourth ref.

• Referee: Drew Fisher (Canada)
• Assistant 1: Luis Uranga (USA)
• Assistant 2: Ryan Graves (USA)
• 4th referee: Greg Dopka (USA)

One of the biggest questions fans are making is whether Lionel Messi will play for Argentina today.

The Inter Miami star is expected to suit up for La Albiceleste, but not from the get-go. According to ESPN Argentina, the 36-year-old will come off the bench in the second half.

On Saturday, coach Lionel Scaloni said: “(Messi) will probably play. I don’t know if it’ll be the whole game, 30 minutes or 60 minutes. But he’ll play. The fans will be able to see him which is more important."

The game will kick off at 7 PM (ET).

There are different broadcast options to watch Argentina-Ecuador in the USA: Fubo (free trial), FOX Deportes, TyC Sports Internacional.

Welcome to our live blog of Argentina vs Ecuador!

La Albiceleste and La Tri clash at Soldier Field in Chicago in their first exhibition game of the June international window before they embark on the 2024 Copa America in the US.

On Bolavip, we'll bring you everything you need to know about this exciting game. Stay with us and don't miss a single thing!