The Argentina national football team will take on Venezuela on Saturday at Chase Stadium in Miami, Florida, in the first of two international friendlies in October.
The reigning world champions have booked their place in next year’s FIFA World Cup, to be held in the US, Canada and Mexico, after finishing top in the CONMEBOL qualifying competition.
Why doesn’t Messi play in Argentina versus Venezuela?
Although an official reason is yet to be announced, Lionel Messi could have been rested to reduce his workload ahead of next year’s premier tournament.
Before the match, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said a decision on the squad would be made after the final training session.
«We have spoken to Messi, as we have done with all the players, and we have not yet decided on the lineup. We will make the decision after our last training,» Scaloni said.
The no-stakes friendly also gives the coach a chance to test new and younger players as Messi will be almost 39 by the time the World Cup takes place next year.
«These are games to experiment with and that’s what we’re going to do. I’d like to try new alternatives,» said Sacloni.
Furthermore, Messi’s focus will be on his club Inter Miami as it prepares for postseason matches starting in late October.
Published on October 11, 2025
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