Spain coach Julen Lopetegui is convinced Argentina will make the World Cup in Russia and, in turn, Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

Argentina will be reliant on other results if they fail to beat Ecuador in their final qualifying game this week.

However, Lopetegui has no doubts: "I don't like to bet but Argentina will be at the World Cup... and so will Messi."

The La Roja coach also had praise for Sergio Busquets, who will return from a suspension to make his 100th appearance fo Spain against Israel on Monday.

“Busquets is a player of the highest level and offers maximum reliability,” he said in a press conference on Sunday.

“He conveys passion for his profession, respects it and also plays like an angel."

Spain have already qualified for the World Cup next summer as group winner so Lopetegui will make changes against Israel in what has become effectively a friendly.

"I won’t say my lineup, but there will be changes and we’ll refresh the team," he added.

"Anyone here can play. We’re prioritising the team, creating one that’s interchangeable."