Argentina Edge Venezuela in Florida as Messi Watches from the Stands
11 October 2025
Argentina Edges Venezuela in Florida Friendly
Argentina won 1-0 against Venezuela in a international friendly in Miami, with Lionel Messi watching from the stands as his team controlled most of the proceedings.
Giovanni Lo Celso netted the winner in the 31st minute after a well-executed buildup that involved Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, sealing victory before a crowd of about 15,000 at the Hard Rock Stadium.
Messi, 38, did not feature but was present in the stands as Inter Miami’s star observed his teammates dispatch Venezuela with minimal drama.
Álvarez, Martínez, and full-back Nahuel Molina were standout performers, contributing to a goal that hinged on swift ball circulation and a precise finish by Lo Celso with his left foot.
The tactical emphasis on depth and youthful options was evident as Argentina prepared for a longer slate of friendlies during the international window and looked ahead to World Cup 2026 preparations.
Argentina’s coaches and players paused to reflect on the memory of the late Miguel Ángel Russo, whose influence on Argentine football was acknowledged with a moment of respect during the gathering and in post-match discussions.
Scaloni’s Vision: Youth, Legacy, and the Road to 2026
Head coach Lionel Scaloni spoke about the development of Franco Mastantuno, who is entering his first season with Real Madrid after moving from River Plate, praising how the club and coach Xabi Alonso are managing his minutes and growth. He reiterated that the final World Cup 2026 squad would not be announced until the last possible moment, with more than 26 players in contention—evidence of a deep, talented pool to draw from.
Scaloni stressed that the purpose of the friendlies is to prove newcomers deserve a spot, while balancing experience with the next generation as the team builds cohesion and a consistent playing style ahead of a demanding schedule for the 2026 edition.
He concluded by noting that the squad’s evolution is a measured process, and that the team would channel the memory of Russo into a steady, unified project rather than chasing shortcuts.
World Cup 2026 and Argentina’s Path Forward
Argentina already secured qualification to World Cup 2026, finishing atop the South American qualifying standings with 38 points, ahead of Ecuador (29) and Colombia, Uruguay, Brazil, and Paraguay (28). Messi has scored 130 goals in 217 appearances for Argentina, with 14 goals for the U-20s and two Olympic goals across five matches in Beijing 2008, where the team earned gold.
As the team continues to blend veterans with emerging talents, Scaloni’s approach aims for stability, collective effort, and gradual progress rather than radical change. The next test comes against Puerto Rico in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday, continuing a Florida-friendly spell before the World Cup cycle intensifies.
Punchline 1: In Scaloni’s kitchen, depth is the secret sauce—throw in a couple of youngsters, simmer on experience, and hope the critics don’t taste too much. Punchline 2: If the 2026 squad ever runs out of players, they’ll simply clone the victory celebrations—and probably the press conferences too—because who needs suspense when you’ve got plans this solid?
