El Monumental in Buenos Aires stages Argentina’s final home World Cup qualifier of this campaign, as the world champions meet Venezuela in a fixture of huge consequence for the visitors.
Lionel Scaloni’s team are mathematically confirmed as winners of the CONMEBOL section with 35 points from 16 matches, 10 clear of Ecuador and Brazil, but this game could shape Venezuela’s dream of reaching their first ever World Cup. They remain locked in a tense battle with Bolivia for seventh place, which brings entry into the inter-continental playoff.
The visitors sit one point ahead of La Verde, and while they beat Bolivia earlier this year, defeats against Uruguay and Chile dragged them back into danger. They are without a win in six consecutive away qualifiers and must find inspiration at one of the most intimidating venues in South America.
For Lionel Messi, it may also be the final qualifier he plays in front of his home supporters, which adds an emotional layer to the event.
Argentina have shown formidable form and have gone six matches unbeaten in this campaign, winning five, and have kept five home clean sheets. Scaloni has called up a strong squad that features Messi, Lautaro Martinez and Julian Alvarez, but he is expected to rotate and hand minutes to younger players.
The history of this fixture favours Argentina heavily, with La Albiceleste winning 24 of 29 meetings. Their most recent clash in Buenos Aires came in 2022 and ended 3-0 in favor of the hosts, while Venezuela’s recent highlight againt Scaloni’s men came last year when they earned a 1-1 draw at home.
A repeat would be huge now as Venezuela’s qualification hopes are likely to go down to their final game against Colombia.
MORE: Argentina star fires warning over Lionel Messi’s 2026 World Cup role
Argentina vs. Venezuela lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, rosters
Argentina have already sealed top spot in their qualifying group, which gives Scaloni room to test some younger faces while also keeping his mainstays involved.
Lionel Messi would start in what is expected to be his last World Cup qualifier game at home.
Rodrigo De Paul will remain a trusted figure in midfield despite his recent move to MLS.
Enzo Fernandez is suspended and misses out, while Lisandro Martinez is injured and will not play a part. Paulo Dybala and Matias Soule were overlooked in attack.
Youngsters such as Nico Paz, Franco Mastantuono and Claudio Echeverri are included in the squad and could be handed valuable minutes as Scaloni looks to balance experience with development.
Facundo Medina remains sidelined with an ankle injury and Angel Correa was surprisingly not selected despite strong club form.
Nicolas Otamendi and Cristian Romero should continue together in defense, with Emiliano Martinez almost certain to start in goal.
Argentina predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): E Martinez (GK) — Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico — De Paul, Mac Allister, Almada — Messi, Alvarez, Paz
Argentina full roster
Goalkeepers: Walter Benitez, Emiliano Martinez, Geronimo Rulli
Defenders: Marcos Acuna, Leonardo Balerdi, Juan Foyth, Nahuel Molina, Gonzalo Montiel, Nicolas Otamendi, Cristian Romero, Julio Soler, Nicolas Tagliafico
Midfielders: Thiago Almada, Rodrigo De Paul, Claudio Echeverri, Giovani Lo Celso, Alexis Mac Allister, Exequiel Palacios, Leandro Paredes, Nicolas Paz, Giuliano Simeone, Alan Varela, Nicolas Gonzalez
Forwards: Julian Alvarez, Juan Manuel Lopez, Lautaro Martinez, Franco Mastantuono, Lionel Messi
Venezuela arrive at this international window with injury concerns that will force coach Fernando Batista into some adjustments.
First-choice goalkeeper Jose Contreras is sidelined once again, meaning Rafael Romo could start..
The defensive setup is expected to see some long-term players Nahuel Ferraresi, Miguel Navarro involved, but tmidfield will miss the presence of Girona’s Yangel Herrera, who suffered a hamstring injury and faces several weeks out.
Jhonder Cadiz also drops out of contention with a foot fracture, while Jose Martinez has undergone surgery on a hand injury.
Salomon Rondon is expected to lead the line with Yeferson Soteldo providing support up front.
Venezuela predicted lineup (4-3-3, right to left): Romo (GK) — Aramburu, Navarro, Angel, Ferraresi — J Martinez, Casseres, Bello — D Martinez, Rondon, Soteldo
Venezuela full roster
Goalkeepers: Rafael Romo, Wuilker Farinez, Alain Baroja, Cristopher Varela
Defenders: Jon Aramburu, Alexander Gonzalez, Nahuel Ferraresi, Josua Mejias, Jhon Chancellor, Wilker Angel, Christian Makoun, Carlos Vivas, Miguel Navarro, Ronald Hernandez
Midfielders: Carlos Faya, Jose Martinez, Tomas Rincon, Cristian Casseres, Leonardo Flores, Daniel Pereira, Jorge Yriarte, Eduard Bello, David Martinez, Jefferson Savarino, Telasco Segovia, Yeferson Soteldo, Gleiker Mendoza, Jhon Murillo, Matías Lacava
Forwards: Salomon Rondon, Kevin Kelsy, Josef Martinez
Argentina vs. Venezuela match details
- Date: Thursday, September 4, 2025
- Kickoff time: 8:30 p.m. local / 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m PT
- Location: Estadio Mas Monumental, Buenos Aires (Argentina)
- Competition: FIFA World Cup 2026 Qualifiers
- Referee: Piero Maza (CHI)
