Argentina will do battle with Ecuador in friendly action on June 9 as part of their preparations to defend their Copa America title.

Lionel Messi and Co. have been placed in Group A for the tournament and they will kickoff the competition against Canada on June 20.

The defending champions will also take on Guatemala in a friendly, on June 14, as Lionel Scaloni looks to fine-tune his squad ahead of the start of the continental competition.

The Sporting News looks at the key details ahead of this game, including how to watch it across the world, kickoff times and the latest lineup news.

What time does Argentina vs. Ecuador kick off?

This international friendly match takes place at Soldier Field in Chicago, USA and kicks off on Sunday, June 9 at 6:00 p.m. local time.

Here’s how that time translates across some of the major territories:

Argentina vs. Ecuador live stream, TV channel

Here’s how to watch this international friendly match across selected areas of the world’s major regions:

USA: This game is available to stream via Fubo, which is offering a FREE trial to new users.

Spanish language options can be found via Fox Deportes.

If Argentina vs. Ecuador is not available to watch live in your location or if you’re traveling abroad, you can use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). VPNs offer a secure and private online connection, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions to access your favorite streaming services from any device anywhere in the world.

WATCH FROM ANYWHERE: Sign up for NordVPN (30-day moneyback guarantee)

Is Lionel Messi playing vs. Ecuador?

Lionel Messi has been included in Scaloni’s squad for the Copa America and the Argentina captain has already joined up with his international teammates.

Despite some minor injuries in recent weeks, Messi has returned to the Inter Miami starting 11 with two goals in his last two games, before heading off on Copa America duty.

He is expected to start this game, but Scaloni will manage his pre-tournament game load carefully, and he is unlikely to play the full match in Chicago.

Argentina vs. Ecuador lineups, team news

Scaloni will use these friendly games as a chance to impress for some of his fringe players and Valentin Barco, Exequiel Palacios and Alejandro Garnacho could start.

Argentina predicted XI (4-3-3, right to left): Martinez (GK) — Molina, Romero, Martinez, Barco — Mac Allister, De Paul, Palacios — Messi, Alvarez, Garnacho.

Argentina subs (9): TBC

Brighton & Hove Albion defender Pervis Estupinan is a notable absentee from the Ecuador squad for the Copa America this summer as he recovers from ankle surgery.

However, other European based stars including Moises Caicedo and Piero Hincapie, have been included.

Ecuador predicted XI (4-3-3 right to left): Dominguez (GK) — Torres, Pacho, Hincapie — Preciado, Caicedo, Franco, Paez — Minda, Valencia, Rodriguez.

Ecuador subs (9): TBC

Argentina vs. Ecuador prediction

Argentina are favorites to retain their Copa America crown in July with Messi at the forefront of their trophy defense in the USA. 

Scaloni’s team have lost just once in the last 12 months, and they will be confident up against a dogged Ecuador side, with the tournament start edging ever closer.

Prediction: Argentina 2-1 Ecuador