Why Lionel Messi's odds to score goal in Argentina vs. Ecuador are too good to pass up

For the first time since a friendly back in June against Australia, World Cup hero Lionel Messi dons the Argentina jersey. La Albiceleste returns to action for the international break with the first of two 2026 World Cup qualifying matches.

While there is no word on whether or not Messi will stick around for the 2026 World Cup, he'll be in the starting XI on Thursday (early Friday morning in the U.K.) at home against Ecuador and then on Tuesday at Bolivia. Though the rest of CONMEBOL is surely chasing the champs, then first two fixtures should provide a stern test.

Ecuador's bruising physical style is a change of pace from what Messi has seen thus far in MLS with Inter Miami while the punishing altitude at Bolivia on a short turnaround surely won't be easy for the 36-year-old.

The 2023 Ballon d'Or favourite has been in top form, scoring in seven straight matches with Argentina dating back to the World Cup Round of 16 last December. Though hard to believe on the back end of a GOAT career, the ageless wonder has never been better as his seven straight matches with a goal marks his longest streak ever in the white and blue La Albiceleste shirt.

Will he find the back of the net once again? Or is now the time to go against a bloated betting market? 

Odds courtesy of 10bet, trusted betting partner of  BetOnSports , which allows you to compare the best offers, promos and odds in the UK.

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Unless you've been living under a rock for the better part of the last calendar year, you'd fully expect Messi to score anytime he steps onto the pitch. From Paris to Qatar to Miami, it simply hasn't mattered as his sterling form is undeniable.

One would think given his play and