"With that occasion now done, and qualification and top spot in the Conmebol qualifying section long since secured, Messi has been told to return to Miami and rest. Argentina have dominated South American football for several years and a win here, coupled with favourable results elsewhere, could see them break their own record by winning the Conmebol section by a record margin."
"They are currently 10 points clear of Brazil and 11 ahead of Uruguay. The record is 12 points set by the team that qualified for the 2002 World Cup, spearheaded by Gabriel Batistuta and Juan Sebastian Veron. Ecuador can also reflect on a hugely satisfying qualification period. They have already secured their place in the United States, Canada and Mexico and a fifth successive clean sheet will see them equal the record for the fewest goals conceded in one Conmebol campaign."
Lionel Messi will miss Argentina's final World Cup qualifier in Guayaquil against Ecuador and has been told to return to Miami to rest. Messi played an emotional home match recently, joined on the pitch by his three sons, shed a tear and scored twice as Argentina beat Venezuela 3-0. His role in two Copa America wins and the World Cup has altered public perception in Argentina. Argentina have already secured qualification and top spot in CONMEBOL, sitting 10 points clear of Brazil and 11 ahead of Uruguay, and could break the qualifying record. Ecuador have also qualified and can equal the fewest-goals-conceded record with a fifth straight clean sheet. Cristian Romero is suspended and Leonardo Balerdi will replace him.
Read at 101GREATGOALS.COM
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