Lionel Messi Absent as Argentina Edge Venezuela 1–0 in Miami Friendly

Argentina clinched a narrow 1–0 victory over Venezuela in an international friendly played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, despite the absence of their talismanic captain Lionel Messi. The reigning world champions displayed composure and control as they tested their depth ahead of upcoming international fixtures.

The decisive moment came in the 31st minute, when Giovani Lo Celso found the net with a precise left-footed strike after a well-executed move involving Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez. The fluid interplay between Argentina’s forwards broke Venezuela’s defensive line, allowing Lo Celso to slot home past goalkeeper José Contreras.

Although the match lacked the star attraction of Messi, Argentina maintained dominance for much of the game. Forwards Álvarez and Martínez kept the Venezuelan defense under pressure, while right-back Nahuel Molina earned praise for his energetic runs and defensive solidity. Midfielder Enzo Fernández also impressed with his control in the middle of the park, dictating Argentina’s tempo throughout.

The encounter attracted around 15,000 spectators in the 65,000-capacity stadium, creating a subdued but enthusiastic atmosphere among Argentine supporters in Miami. The match served as an opportunity for coach Lionel Scaloni to experiment with rotations and tactical adjustments in Messi’s absence, giving younger players valuable international exposure.

This friendly was the first of two fixtures scheduled in Florida during the international break. Argentina will next face Puerto Rico in Fort Lauderdale, after the match was relocated from Chicago due to immigration restrictions imposed by U.S. authorities.

The hard-fought win underscored Argentina’s ability to adapt and perform effectively without their iconic leader. As Scaloni’s men continue preparations for upcoming qualifiers, the result reaffirmed the squad’s depth and resilience heading into a crucial phase of the football calendar.