Messi-less Argentina Venezuela friendly 2025: No Magic Messi but still party

The Messi-less Argentina Venezuela friendly 2025 on October 10, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami proved that Lionel Messi’s absence doesn’t dim Argentina’s shine, as the reigning World Cup champions secured a 1-0 victory over Venezuela in their first of two Florida friendlies. Giovani Lo Celso’s 31st-minute strike, set up by Julián Álvarez and Lautaro Martínez, gave Argentina a comfortable win before 15,000 fans, showcasing their depth ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Messi-less Argentina Venezuela Friendly 2025: Albiceleste Ease to 1-0 Win Without Star

The Messi-less Argentina Venezuela friendly 2025 was a low-key affair, with Argentina controlling 62% possession and generating 1.4 expected goals (xG) to Venezuela’s 0.6. Venezuela, ranked 56th in FIFA standings, threatened early with Salomón Rondón’s 8th-minute header, saved by Emiliano Martínez. Argentina responded in the 31st minute, as Álvarez’s clever pass found Martínez, who teed up Lo Celso for a crisp left-footed finish past José Contreras. The goal, Lo Celso’s third in 2025, sparked celebrations among the sparse crowd, with fans chanting, “Albiceleste! Albiceleste!”

Argentina’s midfield, led by Enzo Fernández and Alexis Mac Allister, dictated tempo, completing 612 passes to Venezuela’s 289. The Messi-less Argentina Venezuela friendly 2025 second half saw Álvarez test Contreras twice, while Nahuel Molina’s overlapping runs created width. Venezuela’s counters, driven by Yeferson Soteldo, were neutralized by Cristian Romero’s 92% pass accuracy (48/52). The clean sheet, Martínez’s 20th in 2025, highlighted Argentina’s resilience without Messi, who watched from the stands, applauding his teammates.

Messi’s Absence and Team Depth

The Messi-less Argentina Venezuela friendly 2025 was Messi’s first international absence since the 2024 Copa América final, where he won the tournament despite an ankle injury. The 38-year-old, sidelined by a minor hamstring tweak from Inter Miami’s 4-0 win over NYCFC on September 24, 2025, rested to manage his workload. Lionel Scaloni, who rested Messi for the Ecuador qualifier on September 10, 2025, praised the squad’s response: “Without Leo, we showed our depth. Everyone stepped up.” The Messi-less Argentina Venezuela friendly 2025 win, Argentina’s 15th in 18 matches since the 2022 World Cup, proves their title defense is on track.

Messi’s 114 international goals, including a brace against Venezuela on September 4, 2025, make him indispensable, but Álvarez (12 goals in 2025) and Martínez (9) filled the void. The Messi-less Argentina Venezuela friendly 2025 highlighted Argentina’s balance, with 14 shots to Venezuela’s 7 and 1.4 xG. Fans remained optimistic, posting, “Argentina without Messi is still unbeatable!”

The Upcoming Puerto Rico Friendly

The Messi-less Argentina Venezuela friendly 2025 was the first of two Florida friendlies, with Puerto Rico next on October 15, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium. Relocated from Chicago’s Soldier Field due to U.S. immigration crackdowns, the match is Messi’s expected return, with Scaloni confirming, “Leo will play if fit.” The Messi-less Argentina Venezuela friendly 2025 result gives Scaloni flexibility, as Argentina, ranked third globally, prepare for the Finalissima against Spain in March 2026. Puerto Rico, ranked 166th, poses little threat, but the friendly offers Messi a chance to build chemistry with Endrick and Savinho.

Argentina’s 2026 World Cup Preparations

The Messi-less Argentina Venezuela friendly 2025 fits into Argentina’s strategic build-up to the 2026 World Cup. Scaloni’s squad, blending veterans like Ángel Di María and young talents like Alejandro Garnacho, has won 16 of 18 matches since the 2024 Copa América. Their 1-0 loss to Ecuador on September 10, 2025, was Messi’s absence, but the Venezuela win shows resilience. The Messi-less Argentina Venezuela friendly 2025 is Messi’s 195th cap, nearing 200, a milestone against Puerto Rico.

Argentina’s group stage draw, including matches in Miami and Los Angeles, awaits, but their CONMEBOL qualification with 22 points from 18 qualifiers ensures focus on form. The Messi-less Argentina Venezuela friendly 2025 highlights depth, with Fernández’s 90% pass accuracy (55/61) and Romero’s five interceptions.

Messi’s Form and Legacy

The Messi-less Argentina Venezuela friendly 2025 contrasts Messi’s club form. With 29 goals and 14 assists in 30 MLS matches for Inter Miami, including a hat-trick in the Leagues Cup final against Seattle Sounders on September 7, 2025, Messi leads the league. His 880 career goals and 389 assists trail Ronaldo’s 942 goals but lead in assists. The Messi-less Argentina Venezuela friendly 2025 allows Messi rest, preserving his fitness for the 2026 World Cup, where he aims for a second title at 39.

Conclusion: Argentina’s Depth Shines

The Messi-less Argentina Venezuela friendly 2025 proved Argentina’s strength without Messi, with Lo Celso’s goal securing a 1-0 win. As the Puerto Rico friendly looms, Messi’s return could elevate their preparations for 2026. Can Argentina defend their crown? Share your thoughts on the Messi-less Argentina Venezuela friendly 2025 below!

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— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) October 11, 2025

FAQs: Messi-less Argentina Venezuela Friendly 2025

What was the score of Argentina vs Venezuela?
Argentina won 1-0 on October 10, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium.
Who scored for Argentina?
Giovani Lo Celso scored in the 31st minute.
Why was Messi absent?
Messi rested due to a minor hamstring tweak from Inter Miami duties.
When is Argentina’s next friendly?
They face Puerto Rico on October 15, 2025, at Hard Rock Stadium.
How does the win impact Argentina’s 2026 World Cup?
It demonstrates depth, with 15 wins in 18 matches since the 2022 World Cup.