QUITO - Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni said Monday that he did not know if Lionel Messi would be a part of the Albiceleste squad that will seek to defend its FIFA World Cup crown next year.

The 38-year-old Argentina captain has not yet committed to the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada, having hinted in recent interviews that he could retire beforehand.

"I haven't spoken with Messi about the next World Cup. Whatever he decides is fine," Scaloni told a news conference ahead of his team's final World Cup qualifier against Ecuador in Guayaquil on Tuesday.

He added that there could still be openings for new players in Argentina's World Cup squad, but admitted the core would remain the same.

"We're still a long way off," he said. "Many things can happen, but we have a base and that won't change much. When we know how many players can go to the World Cup, we'll make decisions."

Argentina won 3-0 against Venezuela in Buenos Aires while Ecuador drew 0-0 with Paraguay in Asuncion in the previous round of qualifiers last Thursday.

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The Albiceleste leads the 10-team South American qualifying group and Ecuador is fourth, with both teams already securing a World Cup berth.

Messi will be rested for the match at the Monumental Stadium while defender Cristian Romero is out suspended. Scaloni said he would use the fixture to give opportunities to players with limited recent playing time.

"I think those who have played less deserve to play, that's the idea," he said. "Lautaro Martinez will have a chance to play tomorrow and Alexis Mac Allister is available. We'll see what system we'll go with."

He added that Ecuador would provide a stern test, praising the work of Argentine manager Sebastian Beccacece.

"Ecuador is one of the best national teams in the world and they're going to make things difficult not only for us but for any team," he said. "They've had a very clear way of playing for a long time."