Messiless Argentina beats Venezuela in friendly match

Argentina shook off the absence of Lionel Messi to record a 1-0 victory over Venezuela in an international friendly in Miami on Friday.

A well-worked 31st-minute goal from Giovani Lo Celso secured victory for the reigning world champions in a match played in front of just 15,000 fans at the 65,000-capacity Hard Rock Stadium.

Inter Miami star Messi watched from the stands as the Albiceleste cruised to victory without ever being seriously tested by Venezuela.

Argentine forwards Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez looked threatening throughout, while full-back Nahuel Molina also impressed.

AS IT HAPPENED | ARGENTINA VS VENEZUELA HIGHLIGHTS

Alvarez and Martinez were involved in the Argentine winner, forming a deft combination to set up Lo Celso, who beat Venezuelan goalkeeper Jose Contreras with a crisp left-footed shot.

The match is the first of two friendly matches that Argentina will play in Florida during the international break.

The world champions will play Puerto Rico next Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale in a match that was moved from Chicago’s Soldier Field earlier this week amid the US government’s ongoing crackdown on immigrants.

Published on October 11, 2025