Argentina ‘move on’ & focus on 2026 World Cup Qualifiers｜Nicolás González｜Enzo Fernández｜Pezzella

Argentina players spoke in a mixed zone on Tuesday in Buenos Aires, remarking that they are no longer thinking about the Qatar World Cup victory but focusing on their next stage, as they prepare to face Ecuador for their first FIFA 2026 World Cup Qualifier match. "What happened (winning the World Cup) no longer counts. Soccer is actuality, it's about the present. We have to show that we continue with that hunger that led us to achieve good things," said defender Germán Pezzella. Midfielder Enzo Fernández said wearing the Argentina shirt is "always a challenge". "We know that soccer always demands more and we will always do our best for the Argentine team," said Fernández. Lionel Messi and his Argentina lineup were back on World Cup duty on Tuesday, as their bid to defend the title starts in South American qualifying. Argentina will face Moisés Caicedo’s Ecuador on Thursday at the Monumental Stadium in its first official match since winning the World Cup in December. The last time a World Cup winner played in South American qualifying was in 2003, when Brazil had to secure its spot in a tournament with 32 teams.