Argentina vs Venezuela – Match preview and team news | OneFootball

Argentina press forward in their World Cup qualifying campaign with a pivotal clash against Venezuela at the Estadio Monumental in Buenos Aires this Thursday.

The Albiceleste welcome the Venezuelan team for their penultimate match in the CONMEBOL qualifiers. The game could carry a poignant vibe, as it might be Lionel Messi’s final World Cup qualifier on home turf, following his suggestion that this could be his last such outing in the capital.

Argentina vs Venezuela – Match preview and team news

Argentina team news

Argentina could experience an emotional farewell as this may be Messi’s final competitive appearance on home soil, with the Inter Miami forward describing Thursday’s clash as “very special”. The 37-year-old captain has hinted this could be his last qualifier in Buenos Aires, making this fixture particularly significant for the national team’s supporters.

Enzo Fernández will miss the encounter due to suspension, providing opportunities for emerging talents. Coach Lionel Scaloni has included promising youngsters Franco Mastantuono and Claudio Echeverri in the squad, with both potentially earning starting positions. Lisandro Martínez remains sidelined with a knee injury, while Paulo Dybala has surprisingly been omitted from the squad despite his good form at Roma.

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Venezuela team news

Rafael Romo is expected to retain his place as Venezuela’s starting goalkeeper, with Jose Contreras still sidelined by injury, keeping Wuilker Farinez as the backup option for a lineup that should closely resemble the one fielded in the recent defeat to Uruguay.

There’s a milestone in sight for Jefferson Savarino, who could make his 50th international appearance, though Venezuela’s upcoming home fixture will likely command more focus, meaning some squad rotation is possible and the Botafogo winger may once again begin on the bench.

Girona’s Yangel Herrera remains unavailable, missing out on selection after sitting out his club’s loss to Sevilla, and his absence is set to be keenly felt throughout this round of international matches.

Salomón Rondón will spearhead Venezuela’s attack, having scored five goals in 16 qualifying appearances. The experienced striker will be supported by Yeferson Soteldo, who brings pace and creativity from the flanks.

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Form

Argentina: WWWWD

The world champions arrive unbeaten in their last five qualifiers, including impressive victories over Brazil (4-1) and Uruguay (1-0). Scaloni’s side have demonstrated remarkable consistency throughout the qualifying campaign, already securing top spot in the CONMEBOL standings.

Venezuela: LLWWL

Fernando Batista’s team have endured a difficult period, winning just twice in their last 14 months. Their recent 2-0 defeat to Uruguay highlighted defensive vulnerabilities, though they showed resilience with earlier victories over Bolivia.

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Predicted Lineups

Argentina: Martínez; Molina, Romero, Otamendi, Tagliafico; De Paul, Mac Allister, Almada; Messi, L. Martínez, Paz

Venezuela: Romo; Aramburu, Ferraresi, Ángel, Navarro; Cásseres Jr, J. Martínez; D. Martínez, Segovia, Soteldo; Rondón

How to watch Argentina vs Venezuela?

Premier Sports 1 will broadcast the match live in the UK.

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