Arsenal’s new signing Piero Hincapie wasted no time showing his competitive edge, clashing with Liverpool star Alexis Mac Allister during international duty as Ecuador sealed a statement win over Argentina.
The defender, who sealed a deadline day loan move to the Gunners with an option to buy for £42m next summer, was back in action with Ecuador over the international break. He first featured in their goalless draw with Paraguay before lining up again against the reigning world champions.
Hincapie played the full match at left back and was part of a rock-solid Ecuador defense that delivered another clean sheet. It was their fifth straight in qualifiers, and it came in a historic 1-0 victory against Argentina, marking The Tricolor’s first victory over them in a decade.
The match, however, had its flashpoints. Late in stoppage time, tempers flared when Hincapie tangled with Real Madrid teenager Franco Mastantuono. The challenge sparked an angry reaction from Mac Allister, who squared up to the Arsenal newcomer in heated fashion.
The fiery moment will only excite Arsenal fans further, as Hincapie showed he won’t shy away from battles with Premier League rivals. His defensive display and competitive spirit highlighted exactly why Mikel Arteta pushed to bring him to the Emirates.
With a strong international break behind him, the 23-year-old now looks set for his English top-flight bow. Gunners supporters will be eager to see if he can bring the same grit and composure that helped The Tri topple La Albiceleste.
Toosin is a dedicated sports writer with a strong background in crafting engaging and insightful content. With experience at Goal, he has developed a sharp editorial sense and a refined storytelling approach that brings depth and perspective to sports journalism. His passion for the game goes beyond the headlines, as he captures both the excitement of the sport and the compelling human narratives behind each event. Toosin’s work resonates with a broad and diverse audience, making global sports stories accessible, relatable, and impactful.
