Argentina play first of two USA-based friendlies this month with a clash against Venezuela in Miami on October 10.
Lionel Scaloni’s side have already already sealed their spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup next summer with a nine-point lead at the top of the final CONMEBOL rankings.
Argentina are in a strong position to go on and defend their world title in North America with two more friendlies on the schedule for November.
After facing Venezuela, the world champions then take on Puerto Rico in Chicago on October 13.
Venezuela narrowly missed out on World Cup qualification, as they landed in eighth place with a two-point gap to playoff qualifiers Bolivia.
MORE: Who has qualified for FIFA World Cup 2026?
Argentina vs. Venezuela lineups: Predicted starting XI, team news, rosters
Lionel Messi remains the main talking in Scaloni’s Argentina squad as the Inter Miami star looks to keep World Cup dream on track.
Scaloni has included him in the panel, with this clash taking place at his club home of the Hard Rock Stadium, but the 38-year-old is unlikely to complete 90 minutes in a non-competitive game.
Alongside confirming his plans to ‘try new players’ in these games, Scaloni confirmed ‘no risk will be taken’ when asked about Messi’s availability.
The majority of his key names are involved with Nicolas Otamendi, Emi Martinez, Rodrigo De Paul and Julian Alvarez all set to feature, for at least 45 minutes.
Argentina predicted lineup (4-2-3-1, right to left): E. Martinez (GK) — Montiel, Otamendi, Romero, Tagliafico — De Paul, Lo Celso — Messi, Alvarez, Gonzalez — L. Martinez.
Argentina full roster
Goalkeepers: Emi Martinez, Geronimo Rulli, Walter Benitez.
Defenders: Nicolas Otamendi, Nicolas Tagliafico, Marcos Acuna, Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero, Gonzalo Montiel, Leonardo Balerdi, Marcos Senesi, Lautaro Rivero.
Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Rodrigo De Paul, Leandro Paredes, Giovani Lo Celso, Enzo Fernandez, Thiago Almada, Nico Paz, Anibal Moreno.
Forwards: Lionel Messi, Lautaro Martinez, Julian Alvarez, Nico Gonzalez, Giuliano Simeone, Franco Mastantuono, Jose Manuel Lopez.
MORE: Host countries, cities for FIFA 2026 World Cup
On the back of that World Cup qualifying frustration, Venezuela boss Fernando Batista was sacked, and youth team boss Oswaldo Vizcarrondo has been promoted as interim head coach.
He’s opted to leave out some established names for October’s games including captain Tomas Rincon and record scorer Salomon Rondon.
There will be an experimental look to Venezuela’s team, with all four strikers named yet to score an international goal.
Venezuela predicted lineup (4-4-2, right to left): Graterol (GK) — Aramburu, Ferraresi, Vivas, Milani — Anor, Segovia, Casseres, Bueno — Bolivar, Kelsy.
Venezuela full roster
Goalkeepers: Joel Graterol, Jose Contreras, Javier Otero, Juan Rojas, Christopher Valera.
Defenders: Nahuel Ferraresi, Ronald Hernandez, Jon Aramburu, Carlos Vivas, Angel Azuaje, Luis Balbo, Alessandro Milani, Teo Quintero, Yiandro Raap, Renne Rivas.
Midfielders: Cristian Casseres, Juan Pablo Anor, Telasco Segovia, Kervin Andrade, Jorge Yriarte, Gleiker Mendoza, Jesus Bueno, Matias Lacava, Bryant Ortega, Gustavo Caraballo, Wikelman Carmona, Ender Echenique, Carlos Faya.
Forwards: Alejandro Marques, Jovanny Bolivar, Kevin Kelsy, Jesus Ramirez.
Argentina vs. Venezuela match details
- Date: Friday, October 10, 2025
- Kickoff time: 8 p.m. local / 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT / 11 a.m. AEST (October 11).
- Location: Hard Rock Stadium, Florida (USA)
- Competition: International Friendly
- Referee: TBA
