Miami, Oct 11 (NationPress) Even in the absence of Lionel Messi, Argentina demonstrated their depth and command by defeating Venezuela 1-0 in an international friendly held at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Friday.

A well-executed first-half goal from Giovani Lo Celso secured a straightforward victory for the reigning world champions in front of a modest audience of around 15,000 at the 65,000-capacity stadium.

Messi, who sat out the match due to precautionary reasons following recent muscle tightness, observed from the stands as his teammates delivered a composed performance that rarely faced any threats. Argentina’s offensive lineup, spearheaded by Julian Alvarez and Lautaro Martínez, displayed sharpness and creativity throughout, while fullback Nahuel Molina impressed with his relentless energy down the right wing.

The pivotal moment came in the 31st minute, showcasing a goal crafted straight from Argentina’s training sessions. Alvarez and Martínez executed a beautiful combination around the box, pulling Venezuelan defenders out of position before threading a pass to Lo Celso. The midfielder, exhibiting remarkable composure, unleashed a precise left-footed shot past goalkeeper Jose Contreras, giving Argentina a 1-0 lead.

After gaining the advantage, Lionel Scaloni’s squad controlled the game with their characteristic style, employing swift transitions and short passes to maintain their dominance. Venezuela struggled to muster any significant chances, managing only a handful of long-range attempts that posed no threat to goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez.

While Argentina did not extend their lead in the second half, they remained largely unchallenged, using the friendly as a chance to evaluate squad depth and rhythm ahead of a hectic international schedule. The late introductions of young talents such as Alejandro Garnacho and Enzo Fernández added extra dynamism to the closing minutes.

This victory extends Argentina’s unbeaten streak since their Copa América final defeat in 2021, underscoring their continued capacity to manage matches even in the absence of their iconic captain. Scaloni’s team is set to face Puerto Rico in Fort Lauderdale on Tuesday, marking their second and final friendly in Florida—initially slated for Chicago’s Soldier Field, it was relocated due to recent U.S. government restrictions on major international events involving foreign participants.