Argentina's rumored XI for tonight:
Armani
Montiel-Martinez Quarta-Otamendi-Tagliafico
De Paul-Paredes-Acuna
Messi-Lautaro-Ocampos
Outside of Argentina, I don't think anyone wants to see Armani over Emi Martinez. Against Ecuador though, it's hard to get worked up over keeper selection. This likely has something to do with keeping domestic clubs happy, although it's hard to reconcile that with the selection of Otamendi.
Normally I'd think Montiel is also an example of showing some favor to domestic clubs, but Argentina really don't have any notable FBs other than Tagli. There are some options at LB, but at RB it's really down to Montiel and Saravia. Maybe you give Bustos (Independiente) or Herrera (San Lorenzo) a look? Even converting a RMF isn't much of an option, and Almendra from Boca is the only player who comes to mind.
More than Armani though, the selection of Otamendi boggles the mind. Argentina suddenly have a glut of real options of young and good CBs and yet Ota is getting the start. I'd rather not have him on the squad at all. Tagli is a no-brainer selection.
Paredes-De Paul-Acuna is actually a pretty solid midfield for this side, since they won't need to worry about getting pressed too much in the MF. De Paul and Acuna can both run for days and will have to provide some options in attack while still being the designated guys to sprint back in defense. Paredes is an outstanding pivot who can pull the strings from deep as a proper regista. As I type this, I wonder if Acuna might be an option at RB. When GLC is healthy, he's an auto-start and Acuna still has enough quality to contribute and his workrate might work well down the right to give Messi a consistent option (although Paredes and the other MF would need to cover for him a lot).
Messi should get to play as much as he wants for the NT. He can obviously destabilize a packed defense still, he's incredibly creative, and he's also a living legend still capable of playing at a high level. I hope Argentina start to use him as a super sub though, so that they develop a system without him and he can come on against tired legs. Playing with 10 in defense is fine against Ecuador, but not so much against the top half of the CONMEBOL.
Lautaro is also an automatic selection. He had a relatively slow finish to last season, but for the 1.5 seasons before that he was one of the best 9s in the world. With only a couple of exceptions like Kane and Lewa, there's no one I'd rather have up top with Messi than Lautaro.
Ocampos is also an absolute beast. He's a phenomenally gifted player, but one that fits into a system more neatly than someone like Dybala. Dybala needs the system to revolve around him and while I used to think Argentina's best strategy was to get him and Messi onto the field together somehow, that's easier said than done. I'd rather see Dybala in his true AMF/SS role rather than try to pigeonhole him somewhere else when Messi's on the field.
I really hope we get to see some Foyth, Palacios, and Correa in these matches.