The Argentina men’s national football team is facing off against Venezuela at the Chase Stadium in Miami, Florida, on Saturday, in its first of two international friendlies in the October window.
The reigning world champion has booked its place in next year’s FIFA World Cup to be held in the USA, Canada and Mexico next year, after finishing top of the CONMEBOL qualifying competition.
Why is Messi not playing in Argentina vs Venezuela?
While an official reason is yet to be disclosed, Lionel Messi could have been rested to reduce his workload ahead of the premier tournament next year.
Ahead of the game, Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni said that a decision about the squad would be made after the final training.
“We spoke to (Messi), as we have with all the players, and we have not decided on the lineup yet. We will make the decision after our final training,” Scaloni said.
The friendly fixture without any stakes also provides the coach with the chance to test out new and younger players, considering that Messi will be almost 39 by the time the World Cup happens next year.
“These are games for experimenting and that’s what we’ll do. I would like to try new alternatives,” Sacloni said.
Additionally, Messi’s focus will be on his club Inter Miami as it prepares for the postseason matches beginning in late October.
Published on Oct 11, 2025
