Giovani Lo Celso scored in the first half as Argentina had trouble finishing in a controlling 1-0 friendly win over CONMEBOL foes Venezuela in Miami on Friday.
Lautaro Martinez set up the goal in a virtuoso performance that was only missing a goal, as Argentina put 11 of their 19 shots on target while keeping 69% possession.
MORE — 2026 World Cup draw | World Cup qualifying latest
Lionel Messi is back in the Argentina squad for the reigning, soon-to-be defending world champions but did not feature in the game, though club teammate Rodrigo De Paul came off the bench to make an appearance.
Como star Nico Paz also impressed in the win, as did Nicolas Gonzalez off the bench. Chelsea’s Enzo Fernandez and Liverpool’s Alexis Mac Allister also hit the pitch, as did Spurs’ Cristian Romero and Aston Villa’s Emiliano Martinez.
Argentina meet Puerto Rico in Chicago at 7pm ET Monday evening.
How to watch Argentina vs Venezuela live, stream link and start time
Kick off time: 8 pm ET, Friday (Oct. 10)
Venue: Hard Rock Stadium — Miami, Florida
TV Channel/Streaming: beIN Sports
Argentina vs Venezuela final score: 1-0
Giovani Lo Celso 31'
Halftime — Argentina 1-0 Venezuela
La Vinotinto should be happy to be within a goal.
Giovani Lo Celso goal — Argentina 1-0 Venezuela
The ex-Tottenham Hotspur star is set up by Lautaro Martinez to give Argentina a deserved 31st-minute lead.
Argentina flying, but no goal
La Albiceleste are bossing possessions, nearing 75%, and have put three of their four shot attempts on target.
Nico Paz is very lively and Argentina will feel they are nearing the opener with every successive kick.
Argentina lineup
E. Martinez, Molina, Romero, Senesi, Tagliafico, Paz. Paredes, Fernandez, Lo Celso, Alvarez, L. Martinez.
Venezuela lineup
Contreras, Ferraresi, Milani, Aramburu, Quintero, Mendoza, Casseres, Marques, Segovia, Anor, Andrade
Argentina team news, focus
OUT: Thiago Almada (muscular), Exequiel Palacios (not in squad), Angel Correa (not in squad)
Venezuela team news, focus
OUT: Salomon Rondon (not in squad), Josef Martinez (not in squad), Tomas Rincon (not in squad), Yeferson Soteldo (not in squad), Jefferson Savarino (not in squad), Wuilker Fariñez (not in squad), Alexander Gonzalez (not in squad),
Argentina vs Venezuela prediction
Argentina clinched 1st place in qualifying with a 3-0 victory over Venezuela back in September, and it was another vintage display from Messi. He’s still the best player on the field most days, even internationally. What a treat to see him play in once last World Cup. Argentina 2-0 Venezuela.
