Argentina face Venezuela in an international friendly at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, on Friday night.
Both teams will be using this fixture as preparation for future competitions, with Argentina already qualified for the 2026 World Cup while Venezuela looks to develop their squad with several young players earning their first call-ups.
Argentina vs Venezuela – Match Preview and Team News
- Date: 11th October, Saturday.
- Kick-off: 1am BST.
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida.
Argentina Team News
Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni has called up 28 players for the October friendlies against Venezuela and Puerto Rico. The World Cup holders could hand debuts to several players, with Lautaro Rivero from River Plate earning his first senior call-up despite a remarkable journey from selling cookies on the streets to representing his country. The 21-year-old defender has become a vital part of River Plate’s defence after returning from a successful loan at Central Córdoba.
Aníbal Moreno from Palmeiras and Facundo Cambeses from Racing also receive their first call-ups to the senior squad. Nico Paz from Como continues to impress and could feature prominently, with reports suggesting he has big chances of starting against Venezuela.
Lionel Messi’s participation remains uncertain. Coach Scaloni has stated he will not risk any player who isn’t fully fit, with Messi having played seven games in 21 days for Inter Miami. “We will speak with Messi, the idea is not to risk anyone,” Scaloni confirmed.
Facundo Medina, Juan Foyth and Exequiel Palacios are all ruled out due to injuries. Medina suffered a right ankle sprain and will be out for two months, while Foyth has muscle discomfort and Palacios faces a lengthy absence until the new year with an adductor injury.
Venezuela Team News
Venezuela have named a 32-man preliminary squad with interim manager Oswaldo Vizcarrondo including several fresh faces. Real Sociedad defender Jon Aramburu and Fiorentina’s Luis Balbo are among the selections, alongside Inter Miami midfielder Telasco Segovia and Toulouse’s Cristian Cásseres Jr.
Ten players are unavailable due to visa issues, including all-time leading scorer Salomón Rondón, playmaker Yeferson Soteldo, and midfielder José Martínez. Real Sociedad’s Yangel Herrera is also absent due to a hamstring injury.
Portland Timbers forward Kevin Kelsy has been called up, seeking his first career appearance for the senior national team after making his debut earlier this year in a 6-3 loss to Colombia. New York Red Bulls midfielder Wiki Carmona is also included and will be seeking his first senior cap.
Form
Argentina
The Albiceleste finished top of the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers with 38 points from 18 matches, nine points ahead of second-placed Ecuador. Their qualification campaign ended disappointingly with a 1-0 defeat to Ecuador, but they were comfortably the best team in their section. Scaloni’s side will again be among the favourites for the 2026 World Cup as they attempt to defend their crown.
Venezuela
Venezuela failed to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, finishing eighth in the CONMEBOL qualifiers with just 18 points from 18 matches. They fell two points short of the Inter-confederation playoffs, recording four wins, six draws and eight defeats. La Vinotinto are attempting to rebuild with an inexperienced squad for these friendlies.
Predicted Lineups
Argentina: E Martinez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, Fernández; Paz, L. Martínez, Álvarez.
Venezuela: Graterol; Ferraresi, Vivas, Balbo, Azuaje, Aramburu; Casseres, Segovia, Andrade; Kelsy, Ramirez.
How to Watch Argentina vs Venezuela?
The match is scheduled to be broadcast live on beIN Sports for viewers in the UK.
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