Argentina and Ecuador will face off in an international friendly on Friday.

The big story of the game will be the absence of Lionel Messi who recently injured his leg during a match for his club Barcelona. The superstar is expected to be out for approximately eight weeks and will likely make his return when the seasons resume after the January transfer. However, the game will allow Argentina a chance to learn to play without its superstar in preparations for next month's tournament.

"You have to be optimistic and not to give more concern," said Argentina coach Alejandro Sabella according to Soccerway. "We will come and play 4-3-3 even without Messi, but I can make a tactical change in these two games...The goal, besides winning, is to give chances to those who have played less and see those who never did."

Sabello did state that Ecuador would be a solid test for his squad.

"Ecuador has a very good team, physically exuberant, with very good movements. I do not know what to expect [with their selection] because they will be putting together the final list for the World Cup," said Sabello.

Argentina defeated Ecuador 4-0 at home in the first match of the qualifiers between the teams but Ecuador responded with a 1-1 draw against its rivals in the more recent match at home.

The two teams have already qualified for the World Cup next summer.

Prediction: Argentina and Ecuador battle to a 2-2 draw.

Start Time: Kick-off starts at 8 p.m. EST.

The Match will be broadcast online via paid subscription on Bein Sport. Watch the Live Stream HERE.

Follow Live Score HERE.