Lo Celso scores winner as Albiceleste seal narrow win amid Messi’s absencePhoto: Getty ImagesArgentina claimed 1 - 0 friendly victory over Venezuela on Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami wit...
Lo Celso scores winner as Albiceleste seal narrow win amid Messi’s absence
Photo: Getty Images
Argentina claimed 1 - 0 friendly victory over Venezuela on Friday night at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami with Giovani Lo Celso netting the only goal in the 31 minute.
🚨🌎 | GOAL: GIOVANI LO CELSO OPENS THE SCORING FOR ARGENTINA!
— TheGoalsZone ✨ (@TheGoalsZone) October 11, 2025
🇦🇷 Argentina 1-0 Venezuela 🇻🇪 pic.twitter.com/dpC1vPxbJi
Absent Captain
Despite the venue’s 65000 seat capacity only 15000 fans attended the match where captain Lionel Messi was notably absent. The Inter Miami star watched from the stands alongside his family after being ruled out just minutes before kickoff.
MESSI en el PALCO CEBÁNDOLE MATES a ANTONELA a la espera de #Argentina - #Venezuela🧉🇦🇷 pic.twitter.com/6s0Q6UKCA2
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) October 11, 2025
Scaloni’s Decision & Upcoming Matches
The Argentine Football Association confirmed that Messi wouldn't feature but offered no explanation. Local media later reported he's expected to play for Inter Miami against Atlanta United in the MLS on Saturday before rejoining Argentina for Tuesday’s friendly against Puerto Rico.
"I decided not to play Leo tonight"
🗣️ "DECIDÍ YO QUE LEO NO JUEGUE. QUERÍAMOS PROBAR A LAUTARO Y JULIÁN Y TENÍAMOS AL FLACO LÓPEZ EN EL BANCO"
— TyC Sports (@TyCSports) October 11, 2025
🎙️ Lionel Scaloni se refirió a la ausencia de Messi en el triunfo de #Argentina ante #Venezuela. pic.twitter.com/kwfZB9KhTP
Category: General Sports
