Argentina defeated Venezuela 1-0 in an international friendly at Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium on Friday, despite Lionel Messi watching from the stands.
Giovani Lo Celso scored the only goal in the 31st minute. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martinez combined to set up the midfielder, who fired a clean left-footed shot past Venezuela’s Jose Contreras.
Argentina controlled the match from start to finish. Alvarez and Martinez kept Venezuela’s defense busy, while Nahuel Molina impressed with his pace and positioning. The reigning world champions never looked under pressure.
Only 15,000 fans attended the game in the 65,000-capacity stadium. Messi, currently with Inter Miami, did not play but supported his team from the sidelines.
This match marked the first of two friendlies Argentina will play in Florida during the international break. The second game is scheduled for Tuesday in Fort Lauderdale against Puerto Rico. Organizers moved the match from Chicago’s Soldier Field due to a U.S. government crackdown on immigration.
Argentina’s win without Messi highlights the squad’s depth and attacking strength. Lo Celso’s goal and the team’s fluid play showed they remain a force even without their captain.
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