Lo Celso’s Decisive Goal Leads Argentina to Victory Over Venezuela in Miami
Argentina recorded a 1-0 victory against Venezuela in an international friendly held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida. The decisive goal was scored by Giovani Lo Celso in the 31st minute. This match showcased Argentina’s dominance despite the absence of their star player, Lionel Messi.
Match Overview
The friendly encounter took place on Friday, with approximately 15,000 of the 65,000 available seats filled. Argentina’s coach, Lionel Scaloni, opted to rest Messi, who watched from the stands alongside his family. Speculation had surrounded Messi’s participation, given his importance to Inter Miami as they sought playoff contention in the MLS.
Key Events
- Goal Scorer: Giovani Lo Celso (31st minute)
- Attendance: Approximately 15,000 fans
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, Florida
- Argentina’s Next Match: Against Puerto Rico on Tuesday
Argentina took immediate control of the game, showcasing excellent ball possession. They pressured Venezuela, who struggled to connect passes and rarely threatened Argentina’s defense. Venezuela’s interim coach, Oswaldo Vizcarrondo, faced a challenging situation following their failure to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
Match Highlights
Despite Argentina’s dominance, they lacked a potent finishing touch. They came close to extending their lead multiple times but were thwarted by the excellent performance of Venezuelan goalkeeper José Contreras. Conversely, Venezuela had a missed opportunity when striker Alejandro Marqués failed to score with a clear header.
- Argentina Possession: High pressure and control throughout the match
- Missed Chances: Teo Quintero hit the crossbar, denying Venezuela a goal
This match served as a solid preparation for Argentina ahead of their upcoming match against Puerto Rico, where Messi’s participation remains uncertain. Additionally, the Argentine squad announced that young talent Franco Mastantuono will miss both October friendlies due to a muscle overload.
Line-ups
| Argentina | Venezuela |
|---|---|
| Emiliano Martínez | José Contreras |
| Nahuel Molina | Jon Aramburu |
| Cristian Romero (C) | Alessandro Milani |
| Marcos Senesi | Nahuel Ferraresi |
| Nicolás Tagliafico | Teo Quintero |
| Enzo Fernández | Juan Pablo Añor Acosta |
| Leandro Paredes | Telasco Segovia |
| Giovani Lo Celso | Cristian Cásseres |
| Nicolás Paz | Kervin Andrade |
| Lautaro Martínez | Gleiker Mendoza |
| Julián Álvarez | Alejandro Marqués |
This match not only provided insights into Argentina’s tactical strengths but also showcased the significance of teamwork in their approach. As they turn their sights to the next challenge against Puerto Rico, fans await the potential return of their captain, Messi.
