Lionel Messi is back in the Argentina squad with 2026 World Cup qualifying complete, now focused on the build-up to next summer’s tournament beginning with a friendly against Venezuela in Miami on Friday (8 pm ET).
MORE — 2026 World Cup draw | World Cup qualifying latest
Messi is back in the squad for the reigning, soon-to-be defending world champions after not being called in for Argentina’s final two qualifiers with qualification having already been secured. The 38-year-old continues to dominate MLS and re-write the league’s record books on a seemingly weekly basis. Messi has 24 goals, 17 assists in 26 appearances this season, en route to a surefire MVP award.
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 live updates, 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.
