Argentina meet Venezuela in the first of two friendlies scheduled in the U.S. during the October FIFA window, a game that coach Lionel Scaloni will use to test several players.
[Watch Argentina vs Venezuela live in the USA on Fubo]
The Argentina national team is enjoying a great run of form, having secured its spot in the 2026 World Cup at the top of the qualifying table with several matches to spare.
On the other hand, Venezuela was hoping to qualify for a World Cup for the first time in their history but saw those hopes end after a 6-3 loss to Colombia in the final match, missing out on a playoff spot.
With the teams entering from very different situations, they will face off in Miami, each pursuing different goals. Scaloni will use the U.S. tour to give minutes — and possibly debuts — to some players, while interim coach Oswaldo Vizcarrondo looks to rejuvenate Venezuela’s roster and begin building toward the next cycle.
Confirmed lineup for Argentina
The main question for Scaloni is whether Lionel Messi will play, as the captain has logged seven consecutive 90-minute matches for Inter Miami over the past 24 days. If he’s rested, Nico Paz could take his place in the starting XI.
This is the confirmed starting lineup for Argentina against Venezuela: Emiliano Martinez; Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Marcos Senesi, Nicolas Tagliafico; Giovani Lo Celso, Leandro Paredes, Enzo Fernandez; Nicolas Paz, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez.
Confirmed lineup for Venezuela
Venezuela enter the match with an interim coaching staff and a partially revamped squad, leaving out several veteran players while betting on a new generation of young talents.
This is the confirmed starting lineup for Venezuela against Argentina: Jose Contreras; Jon Aramburu, Nahuel Ferraresi, Teo Quintero, Alessandro Milani; Cristian Casseres, Gleiker Mendoza; Telasco Segovia, Kervin Andrade, Juan Pablo Añor; Alejandro Marques.