Last month saw Lionel Messi play in his final ever competitive international fixture in Argentina as the world champions completed an impressive qualification campaign for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Inter Miami forward has remained discreet about his involvement in next summer’s tournament but Lionel Scaloni’s side begin their build up in earnest with a friendly with him still in the squad as captain as they take on Venezuela at the Hard Rock Stadium in Florida.
Venezuela are the only South American team to have never qualified for a FIFA World Cup and that will continue to be the case after heartache last month in which Bolivia - by defeating Brazil in the final match day 0 somehow squeezed past them into seventh spot and booked their place in the intercontinental playoffs in March.
The Sporting News brings you the latest tips and odds as Venezuela take on Argentina in Miami as next summer’s 48-team global jamboree enters into view.
Argentina vs. Venezuela: Will Messi be rested?
Argentina have been utterly ridiculous for a few years now with the three-time world champions having won three successive major international tournaments and looking to make history with a fourth in 2026.
They are far and away the most competent and cohesive side coming out of South America, with some added flair and talent coming through, too, such as Real Madrid’s Franco Mastantuono.
Venezuela will still be licking their wounds after their humiliation last month and it may still be too soon for them to even think about restoring some pride against the Argentines this week - even if Lionel Messi's participation in the game remains uncertain.
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Head-to-Head: Argentina vs. Venezuela
- The most recent meeting between these two sides came just last month in that final competitive fixture in Argentina for Messi as Argentina dispatched of Venezuela 3-0 in Buenos Aires.
- That result means Argentina are now unbeaten in their last five meetings since a 3-1 defeat to Venezuela in a friendly back in March 2019.
- Overall, these two sides have played each other on 30 occasions with Argentina winning 25 and Venezuela winning two, with three draws.
Argentina vs. Venezuela: Form Guide
Argentina – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Ecuador 1-0 Argentina (WCQ)
- Argentina 3-0 Venezuela (WCQ)
- Argentina 1-1 Colombia (WCQ)
- Chile 0-1 Argentina (WCQ)
- Argentina 4-1 Brazil (WCQ)
Venezuela – Last 5 Matches (All Competitions)
- Venezuela 3-6 Colombia (WCQ)
- Argentina 3-0 Venezuela (WCQ)
- Uruguay 2-0 Venezuela (WCQ)
- Venezuela 2-0 Bolivia (WCQ)
- Venezuela 1-0 Peru (WCQ)
Argentina vs. Venezuela Score Prediction
Venezuela have conceded 11 goals in their last three matches, just at the crunch time of qualification as they appeared to be closing in on a seventh place finish in CONMEBOL qualification. Argentina arguably have a better squad and more impressive talent than they did when they won the tournament in Qatar, so a comfortable Argentine victory would appear a good bet for this one in Miami.
Prediction: Argentina 3-0 Venezuela (13/2 with Sky Bet)
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Argentina vs. Venezuela Team News
Argentina Team News
- There are a couple of players who would expect to be in the World Cup squad that are still missing through injury for Scaloni as both Lisandro Martinez and Paulo Dybala are sidelined.
- They also have some intriguing talents that will expect to eventually break into the squad but they have been left out, such as Emi Buendia and Alejandro Garnacho.
- Argentina’s side appears very well settled with perhaps the biggest debate up for grabs the spot at left-back between Marcos Acuna and Nicolas Tagliafico.
- Scaloni has hinted that Messi could be rested for the match, not because he is injured but to give opportunities to other players in the squad.
Venezuela Team News
- Two uncapped goalkeepers, Frankarlos Benitez and Miguel Silva, have both withdrawn from the Venezuela squad ahead of the October international break.
- They are two of nine other players who have been left out of the squad after Oswaldo Vizcarrondo had named an expanded provisional squad ahead of this week.
- Key striker Salomon Rondon, now of Real Oviedo, has been rested from the squad, with a very young and inexperienced squad named for this.
Argentina vs. Venezuela Predicted Lineups
Here’s how we think the two teams will line up for this international friendly.
Argentina predicted lineup to play Venezuela
Argentina (4-3-3)
Emiliano Martinez (GK) – Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico – Fernandez, Mac Allister, De Paul – Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez
Out: Martinez, Dybala
Doubtful: None
Venezuela predicted lineup to play Argentina
Venezuela (3-4-3)
Joel Graterol (GK) – Nahuel Ferraresi, Carlos Vivas, Angel Azuaje – Jon Aramburu, Cristian Casseres Jr, Telasco Segovia, Juan Pablo Anor, Ronald Hernandez – Kevin Kelsy, Alejandro Marques
Out: None reported
Doubtful: None
Argentina vs. Venezuela Betting Odds
- Argentina to win (1/4 with Coral)
- Draw (11/2 with Coral)
- Venezuela to win (127/10 with Betfair)
Bet Builder Tips: Argentina vs. Venezuela
Our bet builder for this game features Argentina to win, Julian Alvarez to score anytime, Argentina to have the most corners, Argentina to win with a -1.5 handicap and Argentina to be winning at HT. This combination comes to 11/5 with Sky Bet.
You can use our bet builder tool below to create your own selections and find the best available odds for this World Cup qualifying clash.
How to watch: Argentina vs. Venezuela Live stream, TV channel
Here’s all the key information on how to watch Argentina vs. Venezuela:
- Date: Saturday, October 11
- Venue: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami, United States
- Time: 1:00 a.m.
- TV/Stream: Not televised & cannot be streamed