Argentina vs. Ecuador: Picks, Predictions, Odds and Player Props

Argentina will be expected to ease past Ecuador in the Copa America quarterfinal as the reigning champions stay firmly on course for glory in the US.

Argentina have won all three games in the tournament without conceding a goal, while Ecuador beat Jamaica and drew with Mexico to reach the last eight.

Argentina vs. Ecuador betting picks and predictions

Draw/Argentina - Half Time/Full Time (+300)

World champions Argentina were the favorites to win the Copa America before the action began and there has been little to suggest over the group stage that Lionel Scaloni's side are not capable of going all the way.

Three wins from three without conceding a goal points to their undoubted quality and consistency and Argentina have now won their last eight games in a row after they followed up their 2-0 opening-night success over Canada with 1-0 and 2-0 victories over Chile and Peru.

Ecuador's campaign began badly as Felix Sanchez Bas' side kicked off with a 2-1 defeat to Venezuela, but they have recovered admirably, beating Jamaica 3-1 and then earning a vital point against Mexico to finish second in Group B.

However, this is a step up and Argentina look far too good for Ecuador to trouble them in Houston.

Scaloni's men have taken a while to warm up in games in the tournament so far, though, with their five goals in the US coming after the break.

With Ecuador expected to deploy a defensive set-up to try and thwart Lautaro Martinez, Lionel Messi, Alexis Mac Allister, Julian Alvarez and co, this game could follow a familiar pattern.

Argentina will probably slowly build up pressure and, the longer the tie goes on, La Albiceleste should dominate.

Lionel Messi to score any time (+120)

Messi has had a minor hamstring issue to deal with during the group stage but the Inter Miami superstar has trained fully recently and should be fine to face Ecuador after he sat out the most recent clash with Peru.

This could be the 37-year-old's final major tournament for his country and he will want to make an impact as he attempts to lead them to yet more glory.

Messi has a staggering 108 goals from 184 appearances for Argentina and he rarely disappoints on the biggest stages.

However, he has yet to score in his two outings in this edition of the Copa America and that will be something the former Barcelona and PSG ace will be wanting to put right.

Lautaro Martinez - over 1.5 shots on target (+138)

Lautaro Martinez has been outstanding for Argentina so far in the US, scoring in all three games.

The Inter Milan striker scored the late second to seal the opening-night win over Canada, before hitting the winner against Chile in the second game.

The 26-year-old then scored both in the 2-0 victory over Peru last time out to show he's in the mood this summer and it would not be a surprise to see him add to his haul here.

Martinez is +138 to have at least two shots on target against Ecuador and they seem generous odds considering just how good he has been in front of goal so far.

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Argentina vs. Ecuador odds

Argentina	-223
Tie	+320
Ecuador	+700

Argentina vs. Ecuador player props

Anytime Goalscorer

Lionel Messi	+120
Lautaro Martinez	+200
Julian Alvarez	+200
Alejandro Garnacho	+350
Enner Valencia	+450
Kevin Rodriguez	+900

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This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.