Argentina's futsal Under-17s beat Ecuador 5-0 in Luque in their opening Group B match. Valentino Martínez, Thomas Barrios, Enzo López, Valentín Latrechiano and Gian Soñer scored in the two-time defending champions' first outing.
Argentina beat Venezuela 53-44 in the final in Zárate and completed an unbeaten tournament. Melisa Gretter led the decider in scoring and was named the competition's most valuable player as the national team secured back-to-back titles.
Argentina resisted with ten players, took the final into extra time and lost 1-0 to Spain through Ferran Torres’ goal. Lionel Scaloni’s team finished as runners-up after a campaign defined by comebacks, effort and belonging.
The core of the team is settled, but the coach still has to choose between Gonzalo Montiel and Nahuel Molina at right-back, and Rodrigo De Paul and Giuliano Simeone in midfield. Giovani Lo Celso remains an alternative.
Argentina trailed after Anthony Gordon’s goal, but Enzo Fernández equalised in the 85th minute from Lionel Messi’s assist and Lautaro Martínez scored the 2-1 winner in stoppage time. The champions will face Spain for the title.
Spain, France and England occupy three of the four semifinal places, while Argentina carry South America’s only remaining challenge. Lionel Scaloni’s side will face England hoping to repeat the resistance that ended with the title in Qatar 2022.