Argentina ended up with a 1-0 win over Venezuela in an international friendly at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Friday.
Giovani Lo Celso scored the only goal of the match in the first half, helping the world champions to a narrow victory.
Lionel Messi did not play due to muscle tightness and watched the game from the stands. Even without him, Argentina looked calm and confident. Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martínez led the attack with energy and creativity, while Nahuel Molina stood out with his constant runs on the right wing.
The breakthrough came in the 31st minute. Alvarez and Martínez linked up neatly near the box, drawing defenders away before finding Lo Celso. The midfielder finished calmly with his left foot past Venezuelan goalkeeper Jose Contreras.
After the goal, Argentina controlled the rhythm of the match. They kept possession and pressed quickly when losing the ball. Venezuela rarely threatened, managing only a few long-range shots that did not test Emiliano Martínez.
The win extends Argentina’s unbeaten run since the 2021 Copa América final except for some rare cases of defeats. It also showed their depth and composure even without Messi on the pitch.
Lionel Scaloni’s team will now face Puerto Rico in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday in their second and final friendly in Florida. The match was originally planned for Chicago but was moved due to new U.S. restrictions on large international events.
