aArgentina defeated Venezuela 1-0 in a FIFA friendly, testing new players and furthering Lionel Scaloni’s team’s rhythm ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where they aim for a historic second successive title. What was surprising about this match was that Lionel Messi was in the stands of the stadium, indicating that he was not even considered to play.
Messi appeared against Venezuela and was expected to be a force, but Scaloni opted to rest his star player, causing surprise and questions from fans and the press, and the manager had to explain in a press conference.
Luis Surez and Matteo Messi share a secret handshake
Reason for Lionel Messi’s absence from match against Venezuela
At the press conference, Scaloni was asked about Lionel Messi’s absence from the game, and the manager gave a very accurate explanation.
“Leo decided that he shouldn’t play to test Lautaro and Julien, that’s all,” Scaloni explained. Scaloni, who opted for a double nine, explained that Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez have spent very good time at their respective clubs, giving him another option when looking for a different formation.
Commenting on this match and the team’s one-point win thanks to Lo Celso’s goal, coach Scaloni explained: “We played very well in the first half, and we had some goals.In the second half, we didn’t have the best first 25 minutes, but then we changed our scheme and were better without the ball.This test is very useful, because it gives us the guidelines that we need to know, that no opponent is easy.Everyone is playing 100%.”
What’s next for the Argentina national team?
After defeating Venezuela, Argentina will play another friendly on Tuesday, October 14th, this time against Puerto Rico. Coach Scaloni confirmed that he will continue testing young players.
“All the new players will be playing on Tuesday. They didn’t have a chance today, but we already knew that, so I hope they take advantage of that,” said the World Cup-winning coach, who also stressed that these games are important to find substitutes and have more options for the challenges facing the national team.
Among the young players who could play against Puerto Rico are:
Walter Benitez Leonardo Balerdi Nicolas Paz Giuliano Simeone Franco Mastatuono
